Monday, February 25
Who's else is reading this?
Thanks to BG! for spotting the latest toy to play with from here. I'm always happy to adopt/adapt new ideas if they work. Labels: blog media
Sunday, February 24
Jersey YHA
Jersey’s First Youth Hostel and once a double as the police station for the TV series Bergerac.
And now with a less welcome reputation it would appear
Update 25/3:
Official comment from the YHA underlining the fact that the inquiry relates to alleged incidents in the 1970/80s - many years before the YHA took over the building in 2004. A point some media reports seem to be omitting
Memories are made of this - Good Times
This scene won't mean much to any of you out there unless you have a very sharp eye and know the Lake District views extremely well. Today it appears at the head of the new E--Petition campaign site.
But to me it's a time of great joy. And one wildcamp that I'd like to share to explain some of the associated passion.
We all have those moments of intense emotional highs. And much less commonly, thankfully, the lows as well.
Those times when you try to suck up inside you all that is happening. Storing that special emotional state away with mental triggers, to recall at less happier times. Storing Hope, if you like.
Human memory being such a vague tool at times such moments may get mislaid, possibly never to return. And then suddenly thirty or so years later a trigger phrase, smell or image brings that occasion flooding back. Or at least some of the associated events and feelings. But it's rare to get that full emotional intensity as felt at the time.
August Bank Saturday lunchtime 2005. I stepped off the train at Windermere for an ad-hoc Lakeland wildcamp trip. No prior planning, just a sudden opportunity for a quick break that came from out of the blue. The rucksack, bulkier in those days, was a hurried collection of walking/camping gear left in a ready-to-go pile after my previous trip earlier in the year. As a result my synthetic sleeping bag proved too large to fit in the pack alongside the gear for a week away.
Hence my trip north from the station was broken by an afternoon in Ambleside urgently seeking a replacement bag to fit inside my pack. Or else spend the rest of the week lugging around unused camping gear whilst YHA hopping in the area.
Ambleside was that anthill of tourist activity that only a Bank Holiday brings. The outdoor shops, scenting the end of the camping season, were of course running down their stock. But finally I found a knowledgeable sales assistant, who listened to my predicament and was able to meet the criteria I set for a bag (compact, 2/3 summer wildcamp use, and within my price bracket) I wandered out of the shop bearing a Vango Venom 225 a 3 season down offering that packed into such a ridiculously small space it could well have been carried in my pocket. The company name was one I recognised, but the bag/model unknown. A calculated risk, but then my choices were limited by necessity and time constraints.
Hopping a bus to Grasmere I alighted on to the village green for a quick change into walking gear. The pack now hugely reduced in volume once the walking boots were removed (and I'm still trying to work out how to overcome the 'boot' space on train/walk trips to this day)
Hitting the track up onto the fells rather late in the afternoon I met walkers descending from their day out. Once past Easedale Tarn I was the sole figure heading upwards. No crowds here. The earlier sunny weather now turning to ominous cloud with a moistness in the air.
I pitched at a new spot near Codale Tarn, one I'd noted in my trip log on a previous trip up to Sergeant Man. Well sheltered behind a large rock, safe from the freshening breeze, and successfully used the following year by Litehiker and his tarp at the UK Bloggers meet. A good spot.
The cloud cover was now complete but visibility remained good. In the valley I could see Grasmere a couple of hours walk away, and apparently a source of a mobile telephone mast as I was able to contact home to report my location, route plans, and emergency logistics.
A brew made, I was rested and refreshed following the exertion of my walk in. And then, suddenly, nothing.
The early start to catch the train from a station now 350 miles distant. The bus hopping northwards. The Ambleside shopping trip. The walk in. One continual rush to get to this spot. The next few days were mine to spend as I wished.
I sat and watched the world around me, settling into the environment.
A young buzzard mewed as it flew amongst the rocks above Codale Tarn. Its parents choosing this time to drive the now adult bird from their territory, to make its own place amongst the fells. I watched their interplay for an hour or so until the fledgling moved on.
The wind freshening and cloud cover complete - rain undoubtedly on the way as night approached. I turned on my MP3 player, a cheap simple memory stick. An experiment I was trying during this trip aware from experience that radio reception on the fells could be very variable.
Accompanied by the rich sound of my music selection I strolled about my temporary home, exploring amongst the rocks and water sources. Killing time it seemed. In reality soaking up that unusual feeling of having No time-target; No to-dos; No places-to-be. Just being.
Looking over to Grasmere I could imagine the bank holiday evening entertainment starting to get into full swing. But for me there had been no sight or sound from humanity for many hours.
Onto the player came a new piece of music, something I had quickly loaded the previous day. Rob Zombie's thumping ditty 'Pussy Liquor'. Not to everyone's taste I'm certain. But at that time and in that place the rhythm grabbed at me in a way that listening to it elsewhere wouldn't have been possible.
And for some reason, alone there high amongst the fell, I started to dance. Bopping amongst the rocks and heather And it just felt so right for the moment.
Playing the track as I sit typing these words I vividly recall the huge beaming smile I was wearing both at the total incongruity of that scene for any passer-by, and the deep sense of happiness and at-one -with-the-worldness deep within me.
The following day I walked straight into the teeth of a rather nasty gale force storm and recognising the high element of risk there followed an uncomfortable and very rapid descent to the safety of the Langdale valley.
But that sense of well being remained with me for many days, and is one that can be recalled when needed.
And the sleeping bag? A great bargain and still in regular use despite many temptations to replace it.
Labels: Gear, Mental Health, nature, walks
Saturday, February 23
Memories are made of this - Bad Times
During a brief outing with the dogs earlier today I wandered off the beaten track and and came across this fresh reminder of Spring on its way. And that triggered a memory from past years. An extremely low time in my life.
The winter months - a time at which I still seem to find somewhat difficult each year.
For a few months I had far too much time to myself. Faced with the choices of a gradual decline into persistent inactivity or an all essential internal shake-up I fell back to trying to achieve small successes. Day by day living as it were.
Old ways which had served me well in the past were the starting point. A daily walk. Nowhere in particular as long as it was rural and mostly away from others.
An opportunity then to watch the land slowly come to life around me as the days lengthened. This particular tree, established on some patchy scrub land adjoining farm and common land was part of a regular route I used two or three times each week. With each visit I watched the changes of nature. Buds tipping the trees and bushes. Sprouts of vibrantly green grass poking through the leaf mould underfoot.
And then one day I suddenly was struck by the apparent outburst of dangling catkins, gently jiggling in the breeze. A reminder that life changes and to move along with it is the way of the world. But to remain positive in outlook whatever the circumstances. All is transitory, but good times will follow bad eventually; Given the inner resources to live through them.
So today on seeing the scene pictured above I took a deep breath. The bad times during those forlorn days mostly forgotten now. But the lessons remembered as an integral part of my own personal approach to living nowadays.
The tree breathing hope to all who may pass this spot. And have eyes to see.Labels: Mental Health, nature, walks
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 23)
One of the more welcoming spin-offs from the hectic activity behind the E-Petition is an opportunity to make contact with individuals across the outdoor communities. Especially those not directly walk/backpack related but also sharing the same deep love of the outdoors.
Natural Bushcraft
"Bushcraft is about feeling comfortable with nature's environment, learning to live within nature and gaining the knowledge & skills to do so respectfully"
Ashley site is a glorious example of the possibilities available on-line when integrating text/video for entertainment and hard fact.
And with the usual karmic effect I later tripped across the outdoor author John Merrill's site for a couple of timely reminders
Why I walk & The Art of Walking the John Merrill Way.
Meanwhile news from the NEC Outdoors Show that it will be opened this year by Bear Grylls (Possibly by jumping into Pendigo Lake to see how long he can survive?) Plus Simon Yates has just been confirmed as a speaker. There's definitely an increased number of TV celebs attending this year. A possible fallout from the sudden burst of outdoor shows on terrestrial TV channels last summer?
And finally a few updates on the E-Petition front. Last week saw a podcast interview with Chris Smith. Ex cabinet minister behind the CROW Act and President of the Ramblers Association. A timely insight into the consideration of how government approaches change.
Podzine - Lord Smith Interview
Download MP3 File
Coincidentally, John Manning a passionate advocate for not hiding this issue away, has written about his MP's response and how we can help. Reflecting on this official response the first reaction is that there's little encouragement.
But jointly there's good insights into just what is required to get the wildcamping issue taken seriously if it is to progress. The E-P's message is undoubtedly starting to make itself felt amongst the policy makers of our land.
And that's a big step forward achieved already.
No one ever claimed this would be easy. And the E-P is a first step to flush out the real issues, and gauge the true level of support.
So fittingly my last link is to the newly released E-Petition Campaign Website set up by Darren, the instigator behind the E-P. And unwitting cause behind my current lack of any free time
(I really must have a word with him when next we meet. Hmm)Labels: blog media, E-Petition-Wildcamping, media, podcasts
Wednesday, February 20
Wildcamp E-Petition Update
I've deliberately avoided posting regular updates on the E-Petition, the ground already being covered so admirably amongst my fellow UK Outdoor Bloggers.
But there's been a couple of developments recently that are worth flagging (buzzword alert!).
Darren has taken head-on a recurrent criticism. One that goes something along the lines of "not in my back garden you don't ...."
No apology for reproducing his summary in case this clarifies the postion for any of you out there who remain undecided on whether to support the E-Petition (vote here).
"What we have with this petition is a starting point. A chance to debate, and define what is fair access to open countryside to allow wild camping.
The petition isn’t asking to allow people to camp in lay bys, fields of crops or peoples gardens.
It’s asking for the assumption that if you follow the rules (to be defined) then the assumption is that you have permission to be there. Break those rules, then you are not wild camping, and open to prosecution"
Thanks Darren. Succinctly put.
Meanhile the E-P campaign has gone global. I recieved a mail today from Phillip Werner pointing me towards his slightly envious post from an American wildcamper's viewpoint.
This puts the current initiative into perspective. So why in the UK do we seem to regularly approach a problem from the stance “YOU shouldn’t do that because…..” rather than “How can WE make it work ……”
Food for thought for us all maybe?
And finally...
Plans for a E-P prescence at the NEC Outdoors Show are moving along in a very positive way. I also intend to take the opportunity to do some bridge building with the more established 'big guns' of the UK Outdoor Access scene. To explain the current activity, the E-P position, and to start considering what further level of interest there may be. More to come nearer the time on this.
So. Is there life beyond the E-Petition?
I've no idea. But it won't be for want of finally getting the issue out on the table (buzzword alert!) and onto the public agenda (buzzword alert!).
And thats a positive success amongst the usual trivia we so regularly get tied up with on the UK outdoors scene.
And one that depends on YOU.
(Next post - a national appeal to de-buzzword my pc - is there some sort of virus going around maybe?)Labels: E-Petition-Wildcamping
Monday, February 18
aRoundabout - outdoor news/views (Feb 18)
Postings on here are a little haphazard at present due to a combination of work pressure, sunny days, and the background activity taking place to support the Wildcamping E-Petition. For me that's a real frustration sat here as I am amongst small piles of post-it notes and part written articles covering such diverse topics as press independence and the UK Outdoor magazine scene, the upcoming NEC Outdoors Show, and of course a few local walks that I promised weeks ago and haven't polished up as yet.
But with current deadlines associated with E-P activity fast approaching, particularly related to 'a little something' for the Outdoor Show in March, each day just doesn’t seem long enough. Well not without cybernetic surgery into a semi-permanent part of damned pc.
And that I'm not prepared to do.
It’s a somewhat perverse lesson to realise that the time spent writing about 'doing' outdoor things can only be found by actually practising them less. A balance that as the days warm up I intend to address well away from this darned keyboard.
And that smooooooooooooth link gets me straight into my first plug:
Lightweight equipment and tent show
After last year's hugely successfully Backpackers Club AGM the club have announced that their 2008 event will be in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell, in the Peak District on 26th April.
For many of us the 2007 event was very tempting, but the Northumberland location meant travel time for a weekend event was tight if you lived in the south of the UK. This year's venue is more central and has me checking my diary already.
The event plans to once again include a lightweight equipment and tent show to run alongside the Club's annual spring gathering. This will be open to all & entry is free.
A great chance to see lightweight backpacking equipment in the flesh, to meet the people who really use the gear, and the faces behind the specialist companies who design and supply it.
More information on the BPC site.
Can you just picture the scene of desolation, with all available deadwood cleared for miles around to fuel the hundred of flickering Bushbuddy cookers?
OM Awards
Meanwhile voting has opened for the Outdoors Magic Awards with the winners to be award their bounty on the 16th of March at the Cumberland Arms Pub. Live from the NEC Outdoors Show.
Well that's if there's anything left of the area if The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ® get a similar friendly reception along the lines of what we received last year. Only kidding folks.
I notice http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/ appears in the category for "Best Specialist Outdoors Shop" as well as "Best Online Retailer". Its particularly great to see a small independent trader feature alongside such established High Street names such as Cotswold.
Especially given the short life of Podcast Bob's venture and its exclusively web based business. One set up in the face of some commercial disinterest from certain major suppliers.
Good to see Alpkit's innovative approach also rewarded with a nomination in the "Best Online Retailer" as well.
Voting is currently open if you want to take part. (and if you recheck the last couple of paragraphs you may discover a way to vote for both companies if you so desire. Ahem)
OM also has a category for "Best Campsite - Wherever I pitch my tent, that’s my home, but where would you rather pitch your tent?"
- Hollins Farm, Eskdale
- I’d rather be wild camping!
- Fort Augustus
- Langdale
- Wasdale Head NT
(Not saying what I voted for so there!)
And that reminds me............
There was an outburst of podcast activity last weekend. From Podcast Bob's perspective it was heartening to see his efforts over the last couple of the years starting to pull in sponsored shows.
Last time I counted Bob had released over 100 outdoor related podcasts with over 5000,000 downloads. And most podcasts have been researched, recorded, edited and issued at his own personal expense. But all free of charge to the listener, and with a global audience. Hopefully that sponsorship will continue to roll in.
And I can confirm that content and presentation of the material remains unaffected, impartial and as entertaining as ever.
I particularly enjoyed these Cicerone Press shows:
Cicerone
Press - The Book Story
Download MP3 File
Cicerone
Press - Navigation
Download MP3 File
Meanwhile the Outdoor Blogs keep on springing into life…..
A little bit about not a lot "A bit like a Great British jumble sale - it doesn't raise any money, is usually full of old tat nobody wants and very few people turn up"
Early days, but excellent for looking at wildcamping from the viewpoint of someone new to the scene and (thanks for the tip off Darren)
And finally ...........
The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ®
The venue has been selected for this year's gathering of the clans. The agenda is already chock full, as you'd naturally expect, with the Wildcamping E-Petition, and arranging the various (highly illegal?) wildcamp meets for 2008.
At this rate we may need our own hall next year for the hordes of adoring groupies.
Oh hang on - that was Fantasy. This is Reality.
Must be the cold weather affecting my mind.
OK, thats it for the present - I'm away to feed the E-P mojo (562 votes and rising) Labels: Backpackers Club - Bellingham Aprl 2007, blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger Convention
Monday, February 11
Planet Rock to Close - Nooooooooo!
As if I don't have enough going on in my life at present.
The Wildcamping E-Petition is coming along nicely (427 signatories and counting) with occasional effort on my part, alongside other stalwarts, to try and move it along in a positive manner. For its one of my rare jaunts into democratic agitation these days, disillusioned as I have become over the years with the cycnicism of so many failed attempts to p*ss into a prevailing headwind within this apathetic mass termed 'society'.
As Huxley astutely observed back in the 1930s, to quote Wikipedia's summary
".. humanity is carefree, healthy and technologically advanced..... the irony is that all of these things have been achieved by eliminating many things that humans consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy. It is also a hedonistic society, deriving pleasure from promiscuous sex and drug use, especially soma, a powerful psychotropic taken to escape pain and bad memories through hallucinatory fantasies. Additionally, stability has been achieved and is maintained via deliberately engineered and rigidly enforced social stratification"
Sound familiar to anyone out there - what another slice of Soma vicar?
But once more I see I've wandered off my theme - back on the track Johnnie!
One of the delights of DAB Radio was that finally I was able to choose to a radio station that I actually wanted to listen to. And listen to it lots.
After all that is the whole concept behind niche programming. And for radio it actually works at the moment. Unlike the pitiful attempts delivered by digital TV (And if you think reality TV shows are an all time low, wait until the fall-out from the US writers strike finally hit these shores with en-mass series cancellations)
My delight is principally BBC Radio 7 & Planet Rock with diversions across another 8 or 9 stations as the fancy/program schedule takes me.
And then this happens
(Picture courtesy of Planet Rock - go help out please!)
Planet Rock is the main station that all the DABs in the house are primarilty tuned into. I enjoy it so much that certain programs fit around my other life chores, rather than the other way around (Rick Wakeman's Saturday show for instance - excellent entertainment & a great reason to stay in bed on a Saturday morning)
Even the Channel ID links are uniquely entertaining - I kid thee not.
And it seems I'm not alone according to the advertising puff on it's owner's website:
"Planet Rock's audience just keeps growing - it reaches 563,000 classic rock lovers every week, in its sixth successive Rajar rise. Audiences and listening hours are up a massive 33% year on year, as the station's rock-solid brand promise continues to attract, and retain, the core male audience..........Planet Rock is an utterly unique and distinctive environment, delivering an ABC1 male audience previously unavailable to commercial radio"
But not anymore. Today I discover that despite all this 'success' the station is to be closed by its parent company at the end of March due to it being a 'non-core brand. Or in other words the first to get the chop because they're not making their profit elsewhere.
So that's sod the half a million listeners then?
Blimey - its only February and another petition signed already.
If this is the way that the year is going to go I know a nice quiet cave that has got my name on its reservation list for some considerable time to come. Might even find some Soma washed up on the beach if I wait long enough.
John 'Grumpy' Hee signing off for now. I've a radio station to enjoy. Whilst I still have time.Labels: Planet Rock radio
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Wednesday, February 6
Phenomena or Phut nomena?
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Sunday, February 3
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Labels: blog media
Jersey YHA
Jersey’s First Youth Hostel and once a double as the police station for the TV series Bergerac.
And now with a less welcome reputation it would appear
Update 25/3:
Official comment from the YHA underlining the fact that the inquiry relates to alleged incidents in the 1970/80s - many years before the YHA took over the building in 2004. A point some media reports seem to be omitting
Memories are made of this - Good Times
This scene won't mean much to any of you out there unless you have a very sharp eye and know the Lake District views extremely well. Today it appears at the head of the new E--Petition campaign site.
But to me it's a time of great joy. And one wildcamp that I'd like to share to explain some of the associated passion.
We all have those moments of intense emotional highs. And much less commonly, thankfully, the lows as well.
Those times when you try to suck up inside you all that is happening. Storing that special emotional state away with mental triggers, to recall at less happier times. Storing Hope, if you like.
Human memory being such a vague tool at times such moments may get mislaid, possibly never to return. And then suddenly thirty or so years later a trigger phrase, smell or image brings that occasion flooding back. Or at least some of the associated events and feelings. But it's rare to get that full emotional intensity as felt at the time.
August Bank Saturday lunchtime 2005. I stepped off the train at Windermere for an ad-hoc Lakeland wildcamp trip. No prior planning, just a sudden opportunity for a quick break that came from out of the blue. The rucksack, bulkier in those days, was a hurried collection of walking/camping gear left in a ready-to-go pile after my previous trip earlier in the year. As a result my synthetic sleeping bag proved too large to fit in the pack alongside the gear for a week away.
Hence my trip north from the station was broken by an afternoon in Ambleside urgently seeking a replacement bag to fit inside my pack. Or else spend the rest of the week lugging around unused camping gear whilst YHA hopping in the area.
Ambleside was that anthill of tourist activity that only a Bank Holiday brings. The outdoor shops, scenting the end of the camping season, were of course running down their stock. But finally I found a knowledgeable sales assistant, who listened to my predicament and was able to meet the criteria I set for a bag (compact, 2/3 summer wildcamp use, and within my price bracket) I wandered out of the shop bearing a Vango Venom 225 a 3 season down offering that packed into such a ridiculously small space it could well have been carried in my pocket. The company name was one I recognised, but the bag/model unknown. A calculated risk, but then my choices were limited by necessity and time constraints.
Hopping a bus to Grasmere I alighted on to the village green for a quick change into walking gear. The pack now hugely reduced in volume once the walking boots were removed (and I'm still trying to work out how to overcome the 'boot' space on train/walk trips to this day)
Hitting the track up onto the fells rather late in the afternoon I met walkers descending from their day out. Once past Easedale Tarn I was the sole figure heading upwards. No crowds here. The earlier sunny weather now turning to ominous cloud with a moistness in the air.
I pitched at a new spot near Codale Tarn, one I'd noted in my trip log on a previous trip up to Sergeant Man. Well sheltered behind a large rock, safe from the freshening breeze, and successfully used the following year by Litehiker and his tarp at the UK Bloggers meet. A good spot.
The cloud cover was now complete but visibility remained good. In the valley I could see Grasmere a couple of hours walk away, and apparently a source of a mobile telephone mast as I was able to contact home to report my location, route plans, and emergency logistics.
A brew made, I was rested and refreshed following the exertion of my walk in. And then, suddenly, nothing.
The early start to catch the train from a station now 350 miles distant. The bus hopping northwards. The Ambleside shopping trip. The walk in. One continual rush to get to this spot. The next few days were mine to spend as I wished.
I sat and watched the world around me, settling into the environment.
A young buzzard mewed as it flew amongst the rocks above Codale Tarn. Its parents choosing this time to drive the now adult bird from their territory, to make its own place amongst the fells. I watched their interplay for an hour or so until the fledgling moved on.
The wind freshening and cloud cover complete - rain undoubtedly on the way as night approached. I turned on my MP3 player, a cheap simple memory stick. An experiment I was trying during this trip aware from experience that radio reception on the fells could be very variable.
Accompanied by the rich sound of my music selection I strolled about my temporary home, exploring amongst the rocks and water sources. Killing time it seemed. In reality soaking up that unusual feeling of having No time-target; No to-dos; No places-to-be. Just being.
Looking over to Grasmere I could imagine the bank holiday evening entertainment starting to get into full swing. But for me there had been no sight or sound from humanity for many hours.
Onto the player came a new piece of music, something I had quickly loaded the previous day. Rob Zombie's thumping ditty 'Pussy Liquor'. Not to everyone's taste I'm certain. But at that time and in that place the rhythm grabbed at me in a way that listening to it elsewhere wouldn't have been possible.
And for some reason, alone there high amongst the fell, I started to dance. Bopping amongst the rocks and heather And it just felt so right for the moment.
Playing the track as I sit typing these words I vividly recall the huge beaming smile I was wearing both at the total incongruity of that scene for any passer-by, and the deep sense of happiness and at-one -with-the-worldness deep within me.
The following day I walked straight into the teeth of a rather nasty gale force storm and recognising the high element of risk there followed an uncomfortable and very rapid descent to the safety of the Langdale valley.
But that sense of well being remained with me for many days, and is one that can be recalled when needed.
And the sleeping bag? A great bargain and still in regular use despite many temptations to replace it.
Labels: Gear, Mental Health, nature, walks
Saturday, February 23
Memories are made of this - Bad Times
During a brief outing with the dogs earlier today I wandered off the beaten track and and came across this fresh reminder of Spring on its way. And that triggered a memory from past years. An extremely low time in my life.
The winter months - a time at which I still seem to find somewhat difficult each year.
For a few months I had far too much time to myself. Faced with the choices of a gradual decline into persistent inactivity or an all essential internal shake-up I fell back to trying to achieve small successes. Day by day living as it were.
Old ways which had served me well in the past were the starting point. A daily walk. Nowhere in particular as long as it was rural and mostly away from others.
An opportunity then to watch the land slowly come to life around me as the days lengthened. This particular tree, established on some patchy scrub land adjoining farm and common land was part of a regular route I used two or three times each week. With each visit I watched the changes of nature. Buds tipping the trees and bushes. Sprouts of vibrantly green grass poking through the leaf mould underfoot.
And then one day I suddenly was struck by the apparent outburst of dangling catkins, gently jiggling in the breeze. A reminder that life changes and to move along with it is the way of the world. But to remain positive in outlook whatever the circumstances. All is transitory, but good times will follow bad eventually; Given the inner resources to live through them.
So today on seeing the scene pictured above I took a deep breath. The bad times during those forlorn days mostly forgotten now. But the lessons remembered as an integral part of my own personal approach to living nowadays.
The tree breathing hope to all who may pass this spot. And have eyes to see.Labels: Mental Health, nature, walks
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 23)
One of the more welcoming spin-offs from the hectic activity behind the E-Petition is an opportunity to make contact with individuals across the outdoor communities. Especially those not directly walk/backpack related but also sharing the same deep love of the outdoors.
Natural Bushcraft
"Bushcraft is about feeling comfortable with nature's environment, learning to live within nature and gaining the knowledge & skills to do so respectfully"
Ashley site is a glorious example of the possibilities available on-line when integrating text/video for entertainment and hard fact.
And with the usual karmic effect I later tripped across the outdoor author John Merrill's site for a couple of timely reminders
Why I walk & The Art of Walking the John Merrill Way.
Meanwhile news from the NEC Outdoors Show that it will be opened this year by Bear Grylls (Possibly by jumping into Pendigo Lake to see how long he can survive?) Plus Simon Yates has just been confirmed as a speaker. There's definitely an increased number of TV celebs attending this year. A possible fallout from the sudden burst of outdoor shows on terrestrial TV channels last summer?
And finally a few updates on the E-Petition front. Last week saw a podcast interview with Chris Smith. Ex cabinet minister behind the CROW Act and President of the Ramblers Association. A timely insight into the consideration of how government approaches change.
Podzine - Lord Smith Interview
Download MP3 File
Coincidentally, John Manning a passionate advocate for not hiding this issue away, has written about his MP's response and how we can help. Reflecting on this official response the first reaction is that there's little encouragement.
But jointly there's good insights into just what is required to get the wildcamping issue taken seriously if it is to progress. The E-P's message is undoubtedly starting to make itself felt amongst the policy makers of our land.
And that's a big step forward achieved already.
No one ever claimed this would be easy. And the E-P is a first step to flush out the real issues, and gauge the true level of support.
So fittingly my last link is to the newly released E-Petition Campaign Website set up by Darren, the instigator behind the E-P. And unwitting cause behind my current lack of any free time
(I really must have a word with him when next we meet. Hmm)Labels: blog media, E-Petition-Wildcamping, media, podcasts
Wednesday, February 20
Wildcamp E-Petition Update
I've deliberately avoided posting regular updates on the E-Petition, the ground already being covered so admirably amongst my fellow UK Outdoor Bloggers.
But there's been a couple of developments recently that are worth flagging (buzzword alert!).
Darren has taken head-on a recurrent criticism. One that goes something along the lines of "not in my back garden you don't ...."
No apology for reproducing his summary in case this clarifies the postion for any of you out there who remain undecided on whether to support the E-Petition (vote here).
"What we have with this petition is a starting point. A chance to debate, and define what is fair access to open countryside to allow wild camping.
The petition isn’t asking to allow people to camp in lay bys, fields of crops or peoples gardens.
It’s asking for the assumption that if you follow the rules (to be defined) then the assumption is that you have permission to be there. Break those rules, then you are not wild camping, and open to prosecution"
Thanks Darren. Succinctly put.
Meanhile the E-P campaign has gone global. I recieved a mail today from Phillip Werner pointing me towards his slightly envious post from an American wildcamper's viewpoint.
This puts the current initiative into perspective. So why in the UK do we seem to regularly approach a problem from the stance “YOU shouldn’t do that because…..” rather than “How can WE make it work ……”
Food for thought for us all maybe?
And finally...
Plans for a E-P prescence at the NEC Outdoors Show are moving along in a very positive way. I also intend to take the opportunity to do some bridge building with the more established 'big guns' of the UK Outdoor Access scene. To explain the current activity, the E-P position, and to start considering what further level of interest there may be. More to come nearer the time on this.
So. Is there life beyond the E-Petition?
I've no idea. But it won't be for want of finally getting the issue out on the table (buzzword alert!) and onto the public agenda (buzzword alert!).
And thats a positive success amongst the usual trivia we so regularly get tied up with on the UK outdoors scene.
And one that depends on YOU.
(Next post - a national appeal to de-buzzword my pc - is there some sort of virus going around maybe?)Labels: E-Petition-Wildcamping
Monday, February 18
aRoundabout - outdoor news/views (Feb 18)
Postings on here are a little haphazard at present due to a combination of work pressure, sunny days, and the background activity taking place to support the Wildcamping E-Petition. For me that's a real frustration sat here as I am amongst small piles of post-it notes and part written articles covering such diverse topics as press independence and the UK Outdoor magazine scene, the upcoming NEC Outdoors Show, and of course a few local walks that I promised weeks ago and haven't polished up as yet.
But with current deadlines associated with E-P activity fast approaching, particularly related to 'a little something' for the Outdoor Show in March, each day just doesn’t seem long enough. Well not without cybernetic surgery into a semi-permanent part of damned pc.
And that I'm not prepared to do.
It’s a somewhat perverse lesson to realise that the time spent writing about 'doing' outdoor things can only be found by actually practising them less. A balance that as the days warm up I intend to address well away from this darned keyboard.
And that smooooooooooooth link gets me straight into my first plug:
Lightweight equipment and tent show
After last year's hugely successfully Backpackers Club AGM the club have announced that their 2008 event will be in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell, in the Peak District on 26th April.
For many of us the 2007 event was very tempting, but the Northumberland location meant travel time for a weekend event was tight if you lived in the south of the UK. This year's venue is more central and has me checking my diary already.
The event plans to once again include a lightweight equipment and tent show to run alongside the Club's annual spring gathering. This will be open to all & entry is free.
A great chance to see lightweight backpacking equipment in the flesh, to meet the people who really use the gear, and the faces behind the specialist companies who design and supply it.
More information on the BPC site.
Can you just picture the scene of desolation, with all available deadwood cleared for miles around to fuel the hundred of flickering Bushbuddy cookers?
OM Awards
Meanwhile voting has opened for the Outdoors Magic Awards with the winners to be award their bounty on the 16th of March at the Cumberland Arms Pub. Live from the NEC Outdoors Show.
Well that's if there's anything left of the area if The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ® get a similar friendly reception along the lines of what we received last year. Only kidding folks.
I notice http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/ appears in the category for "Best Specialist Outdoors Shop" as well as "Best Online Retailer". Its particularly great to see a small independent trader feature alongside such established High Street names such as Cotswold.
Especially given the short life of Podcast Bob's venture and its exclusively web based business. One set up in the face of some commercial disinterest from certain major suppliers.
Good to see Alpkit's innovative approach also rewarded with a nomination in the "Best Online Retailer" as well.
Voting is currently open if you want to take part. (and if you recheck the last couple of paragraphs you may discover a way to vote for both companies if you so desire. Ahem)
OM also has a category for "Best Campsite - Wherever I pitch my tent, that’s my home, but where would you rather pitch your tent?"
- Hollins Farm, Eskdale
- I’d rather be wild camping!
- Fort Augustus
- Langdale
- Wasdale Head NT
(Not saying what I voted for so there!)
And that reminds me............
There was an outburst of podcast activity last weekend. From Podcast Bob's perspective it was heartening to see his efforts over the last couple of the years starting to pull in sponsored shows.
Last time I counted Bob had released over 100 outdoor related podcasts with over 5000,000 downloads. And most podcasts have been researched, recorded, edited and issued at his own personal expense. But all free of charge to the listener, and with a global audience. Hopefully that sponsorship will continue to roll in.
And I can confirm that content and presentation of the material remains unaffected, impartial and as entertaining as ever.
I particularly enjoyed these Cicerone Press shows:
Cicerone
Press - The Book Story
Download MP3 File
Cicerone
Press - Navigation
Download MP3 File
Meanwhile the Outdoor Blogs keep on springing into life…..
A little bit about not a lot "A bit like a Great British jumble sale - it doesn't raise any money, is usually full of old tat nobody wants and very few people turn up"
Early days, but excellent for looking at wildcamping from the viewpoint of someone new to the scene and (thanks for the tip off Darren)
And finally ...........
The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ®
The venue has been selected for this year's gathering of the clans. The agenda is already chock full, as you'd naturally expect, with the Wildcamping E-Petition, and arranging the various (highly illegal?) wildcamp meets for 2008.
At this rate we may need our own hall next year for the hordes of adoring groupies.
Oh hang on - that was Fantasy. This is Reality.
Must be the cold weather affecting my mind.
OK, thats it for the present - I'm away to feed the E-P mojo (562 votes and rising) Labels: Backpackers Club - Bellingham Aprl 2007, blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger Convention
Monday, February 11
Planet Rock to Close - Nooooooooo!
As if I don't have enough going on in my life at present.
The Wildcamping E-Petition is coming along nicely (427 signatories and counting) with occasional effort on my part, alongside other stalwarts, to try and move it along in a positive manner. For its one of my rare jaunts into democratic agitation these days, disillusioned as I have become over the years with the cycnicism of so many failed attempts to p*ss into a prevailing headwind within this apathetic mass termed 'society'.
As Huxley astutely observed back in the 1930s, to quote Wikipedia's summary
".. humanity is carefree, healthy and technologically advanced..... the irony is that all of these things have been achieved by eliminating many things that humans consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy. It is also a hedonistic society, deriving pleasure from promiscuous sex and drug use, especially soma, a powerful psychotropic taken to escape pain and bad memories through hallucinatory fantasies. Additionally, stability has been achieved and is maintained via deliberately engineered and rigidly enforced social stratification"
Sound familiar to anyone out there - what another slice of Soma vicar?
But once more I see I've wandered off my theme - back on the track Johnnie!
One of the delights of DAB Radio was that finally I was able to choose to a radio station that I actually wanted to listen to. And listen to it lots.
After all that is the whole concept behind niche programming. And for radio it actually works at the moment. Unlike the pitiful attempts delivered by digital TV (And if you think reality TV shows are an all time low, wait until the fall-out from the US writers strike finally hit these shores with en-mass series cancellations)
My delight is principally BBC Radio 7 & Planet Rock with diversions across another 8 or 9 stations as the fancy/program schedule takes me.
And then this happens
(Picture courtesy of Planet Rock - go help out please!)
Planet Rock is the main station that all the DABs in the house are primarilty tuned into. I enjoy it so much that certain programs fit around my other life chores, rather than the other way around (Rick Wakeman's Saturday show for instance - excellent entertainment & a great reason to stay in bed on a Saturday morning)
Even the Channel ID links are uniquely entertaining - I kid thee not.
And it seems I'm not alone according to the advertising puff on it's owner's website:
"Planet Rock's audience just keeps growing - it reaches 563,000 classic rock lovers every week, in its sixth successive Rajar rise. Audiences and listening hours are up a massive 33% year on year, as the station's rock-solid brand promise continues to attract, and retain, the core male audience..........Planet Rock is an utterly unique and distinctive environment, delivering an ABC1 male audience previously unavailable to commercial radio"
But not anymore. Today I discover that despite all this 'success' the station is to be closed by its parent company at the end of March due to it being a 'non-core brand. Or in other words the first to get the chop because they're not making their profit elsewhere.
So that's sod the half a million listeners then?
Blimey - its only February and another petition signed already.
If this is the way that the year is going to go I know a nice quiet cave that has got my name on its reservation list for some considerable time to come. Might even find some Soma washed up on the beach if I wait long enough.
John 'Grumpy' Hee signing off for now. I've a radio station to enjoy. Whilst I still have time.Labels: Planet Rock radio
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Wednesday, February 6
Phenomena or Phut nomena?
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Sunday, February 3
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
And now with a less welcome reputation it would appear
Update 25/3:
Official comment from the YHA underlining the fact that the inquiry relates to alleged incidents in the 1970/80s - many years before the YHA took over the building in 2004. A point some media reports seem to be omitting
Memories are made of this - Good Times
This scene won't mean much to any of you out there unless you have a very sharp eye and know the Lake District views extremely well. Today it appears at the head of the new E--Petition campaign site.
But to me it's a time of great joy. And one wildcamp that I'd like to share to explain some of the associated passion.
We all have those moments of intense emotional highs. And much less commonly, thankfully, the lows as well.
Those times when you try to suck up inside you all that is happening. Storing that special emotional state away with mental triggers, to recall at less happier times. Storing Hope, if you like.
Human memory being such a vague tool at times such moments may get mislaid, possibly never to return. And then suddenly thirty or so years later a trigger phrase, smell or image brings that occasion flooding back. Or at least some of the associated events and feelings. But it's rare to get that full emotional intensity as felt at the time.
August Bank Saturday lunchtime 2005. I stepped off the train at Windermere for an ad-hoc Lakeland wildcamp trip. No prior planning, just a sudden opportunity for a quick break that came from out of the blue. The rucksack, bulkier in those days, was a hurried collection of walking/camping gear left in a ready-to-go pile after my previous trip earlier in the year. As a result my synthetic sleeping bag proved too large to fit in the pack alongside the gear for a week away.
Hence my trip north from the station was broken by an afternoon in Ambleside urgently seeking a replacement bag to fit inside my pack. Or else spend the rest of the week lugging around unused camping gear whilst YHA hopping in the area.
Ambleside was that anthill of tourist activity that only a Bank Holiday brings. The outdoor shops, scenting the end of the camping season, were of course running down their stock. But finally I found a knowledgeable sales assistant, who listened to my predicament and was able to meet the criteria I set for a bag (compact, 2/3 summer wildcamp use, and within my price bracket) I wandered out of the shop bearing a Vango Venom 225 a 3 season down offering that packed into such a ridiculously small space it could well have been carried in my pocket. The company name was one I recognised, but the bag/model unknown. A calculated risk, but then my choices were limited by necessity and time constraints.
Hopping a bus to Grasmere I alighted on to the village green for a quick change into walking gear. The pack now hugely reduced in volume once the walking boots were removed (and I'm still trying to work out how to overcome the 'boot' space on train/walk trips to this day)
Hitting the track up onto the fells rather late in the afternoon I met walkers descending from their day out. Once past Easedale Tarn I was the sole figure heading upwards. No crowds here. The earlier sunny weather now turning to ominous cloud with a moistness in the air.
I pitched at a new spot near Codale Tarn, one I'd noted in my trip log on a previous trip up to Sergeant Man. Well sheltered behind a large rock, safe from the freshening breeze, and successfully used the following year by Litehiker and his tarp at the UK Bloggers meet. A good spot.
The cloud cover was now complete but visibility remained good. In the valley I could see Grasmere a couple of hours walk away, and apparently a source of a mobile telephone mast as I was able to contact home to report my location, route plans, and emergency logistics.
A brew made, I was rested and refreshed following the exertion of my walk in. And then, suddenly, nothing.
The early start to catch the train from a station now 350 miles distant. The bus hopping northwards. The Ambleside shopping trip. The walk in. One continual rush to get to this spot. The next few days were mine to spend as I wished.
I sat and watched the world around me, settling into the environment.
A young buzzard mewed as it flew amongst the rocks above Codale Tarn. Its parents choosing this time to drive the now adult bird from their territory, to make its own place amongst the fells. I watched their interplay for an hour or so until the fledgling moved on.
The wind freshening and cloud cover complete - rain undoubtedly on the way as night approached. I turned on my MP3 player, a cheap simple memory stick. An experiment I was trying during this trip aware from experience that radio reception on the fells could be very variable.
Accompanied by the rich sound of my music selection I strolled about my temporary home, exploring amongst the rocks and water sources. Killing time it seemed. In reality soaking up that unusual feeling of having No time-target; No to-dos; No places-to-be. Just being.
Looking over to Grasmere I could imagine the bank holiday evening entertainment starting to get into full swing. But for me there had been no sight or sound from humanity for many hours.
Onto the player came a new piece of music, something I had quickly loaded the previous day. Rob Zombie's thumping ditty 'Pussy Liquor'. Not to everyone's taste I'm certain. But at that time and in that place the rhythm grabbed at me in a way that listening to it elsewhere wouldn't have been possible.
And for some reason, alone there high amongst the fell, I started to dance. Bopping amongst the rocks and heather And it just felt so right for the moment.
Playing the track as I sit typing these words I vividly recall the huge beaming smile I was wearing both at the total incongruity of that scene for any passer-by, and the deep sense of happiness and at-one -with-the-worldness deep within me.
The following day I walked straight into the teeth of a rather nasty gale force storm and recognising the high element of risk there followed an uncomfortable and very rapid descent to the safety of the Langdale valley.
But that sense of well being remained with me for many days, and is one that can be recalled when needed.
And the sleeping bag? A great bargain and still in regular use despite many temptations to replace it.
Labels: Gear, Mental Health, nature, walks
Saturday, February 23
Memories are made of this - Bad Times
During a brief outing with the dogs earlier today I wandered off the beaten track and and came across this fresh reminder of Spring on its way. And that triggered a memory from past years. An extremely low time in my life.
The winter months - a time at which I still seem to find somewhat difficult each year.
For a few months I had far too much time to myself. Faced with the choices of a gradual decline into persistent inactivity or an all essential internal shake-up I fell back to trying to achieve small successes. Day by day living as it were.
Old ways which had served me well in the past were the starting point. A daily walk. Nowhere in particular as long as it was rural and mostly away from others.
An opportunity then to watch the land slowly come to life around me as the days lengthened. This particular tree, established on some patchy scrub land adjoining farm and common land was part of a regular route I used two or three times each week. With each visit I watched the changes of nature. Buds tipping the trees and bushes. Sprouts of vibrantly green grass poking through the leaf mould underfoot.
And then one day I suddenly was struck by the apparent outburst of dangling catkins, gently jiggling in the breeze. A reminder that life changes and to move along with it is the way of the world. But to remain positive in outlook whatever the circumstances. All is transitory, but good times will follow bad eventually; Given the inner resources to live through them.
So today on seeing the scene pictured above I took a deep breath. The bad times during those forlorn days mostly forgotten now. But the lessons remembered as an integral part of my own personal approach to living nowadays.
The tree breathing hope to all who may pass this spot. And have eyes to see.Labels: Mental Health, nature, walks
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 23)
One of the more welcoming spin-offs from the hectic activity behind the E-Petition is an opportunity to make contact with individuals across the outdoor communities. Especially those not directly walk/backpack related but also sharing the same deep love of the outdoors.
Natural Bushcraft
"Bushcraft is about feeling comfortable with nature's environment, learning to live within nature and gaining the knowledge & skills to do so respectfully"
Ashley site is a glorious example of the possibilities available on-line when integrating text/video for entertainment and hard fact.
And with the usual karmic effect I later tripped across the outdoor author John Merrill's site for a couple of timely reminders
Why I walk & The Art of Walking the John Merrill Way.
Meanwhile news from the NEC Outdoors Show that it will be opened this year by Bear Grylls (Possibly by jumping into Pendigo Lake to see how long he can survive?) Plus Simon Yates has just been confirmed as a speaker. There's definitely an increased number of TV celebs attending this year. A possible fallout from the sudden burst of outdoor shows on terrestrial TV channels last summer?
And finally a few updates on the E-Petition front. Last week saw a podcast interview with Chris Smith. Ex cabinet minister behind the CROW Act and President of the Ramblers Association. A timely insight into the consideration of how government approaches change.
Podzine - Lord Smith Interview
Download MP3 File
Coincidentally, John Manning a passionate advocate for not hiding this issue away, has written about his MP's response and how we can help. Reflecting on this official response the first reaction is that there's little encouragement.
But jointly there's good insights into just what is required to get the wildcamping issue taken seriously if it is to progress. The E-P's message is undoubtedly starting to make itself felt amongst the policy makers of our land.
And that's a big step forward achieved already.
No one ever claimed this would be easy. And the E-P is a first step to flush out the real issues, and gauge the true level of support.
So fittingly my last link is to the newly released E-Petition Campaign Website set up by Darren, the instigator behind the E-P. And unwitting cause behind my current lack of any free time
(I really must have a word with him when next we meet. Hmm)Labels: blog media, E-Petition-Wildcamping, media, podcasts
Wednesday, February 20
Wildcamp E-Petition Update
I've deliberately avoided posting regular updates on the E-Petition, the ground already being covered so admirably amongst my fellow UK Outdoor Bloggers.
But there's been a couple of developments recently that are worth flagging (buzzword alert!).
Darren has taken head-on a recurrent criticism. One that goes something along the lines of "not in my back garden you don't ...."
No apology for reproducing his summary in case this clarifies the postion for any of you out there who remain undecided on whether to support the E-Petition (vote here).
"What we have with this petition is a starting point. A chance to debate, and define what is fair access to open countryside to allow wild camping.
The petition isn’t asking to allow people to camp in lay bys, fields of crops or peoples gardens.
It’s asking for the assumption that if you follow the rules (to be defined) then the assumption is that you have permission to be there. Break those rules, then you are not wild camping, and open to prosecution"
Thanks Darren. Succinctly put.
Meanhile the E-P campaign has gone global. I recieved a mail today from Phillip Werner pointing me towards his slightly envious post from an American wildcamper's viewpoint.
This puts the current initiative into perspective. So why in the UK do we seem to regularly approach a problem from the stance “YOU shouldn’t do that because…..” rather than “How can WE make it work ……”
Food for thought for us all maybe?
And finally...
Plans for a E-P prescence at the NEC Outdoors Show are moving along in a very positive way. I also intend to take the opportunity to do some bridge building with the more established 'big guns' of the UK Outdoor Access scene. To explain the current activity, the E-P position, and to start considering what further level of interest there may be. More to come nearer the time on this.
So. Is there life beyond the E-Petition?
I've no idea. But it won't be for want of finally getting the issue out on the table (buzzword alert!) and onto the public agenda (buzzword alert!).
And thats a positive success amongst the usual trivia we so regularly get tied up with on the UK outdoors scene.
And one that depends on YOU.
(Next post - a national appeal to de-buzzword my pc - is there some sort of virus going around maybe?)Labels: E-Petition-Wildcamping
Monday, February 18
aRoundabout - outdoor news/views (Feb 18)
Postings on here are a little haphazard at present due to a combination of work pressure, sunny days, and the background activity taking place to support the Wildcamping E-Petition. For me that's a real frustration sat here as I am amongst small piles of post-it notes and part written articles covering such diverse topics as press independence and the UK Outdoor magazine scene, the upcoming NEC Outdoors Show, and of course a few local walks that I promised weeks ago and haven't polished up as yet.
But with current deadlines associated with E-P activity fast approaching, particularly related to 'a little something' for the Outdoor Show in March, each day just doesn’t seem long enough. Well not without cybernetic surgery into a semi-permanent part of damned pc.
And that I'm not prepared to do.
It’s a somewhat perverse lesson to realise that the time spent writing about 'doing' outdoor things can only be found by actually practising them less. A balance that as the days warm up I intend to address well away from this darned keyboard.
And that smooooooooooooth link gets me straight into my first plug:
Lightweight equipment and tent show
After last year's hugely successfully Backpackers Club AGM the club have announced that their 2008 event will be in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell, in the Peak District on 26th April.
For many of us the 2007 event was very tempting, but the Northumberland location meant travel time for a weekend event was tight if you lived in the south of the UK. This year's venue is more central and has me checking my diary already.
The event plans to once again include a lightweight equipment and tent show to run alongside the Club's annual spring gathering. This will be open to all & entry is free.
A great chance to see lightweight backpacking equipment in the flesh, to meet the people who really use the gear, and the faces behind the specialist companies who design and supply it.
More information on the BPC site.
Can you just picture the scene of desolation, with all available deadwood cleared for miles around to fuel the hundred of flickering Bushbuddy cookers?
OM Awards
Meanwhile voting has opened for the Outdoors Magic Awards with the winners to be award their bounty on the 16th of March at the Cumberland Arms Pub. Live from the NEC Outdoors Show.
Well that's if there's anything left of the area if The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ® get a similar friendly reception along the lines of what we received last year. Only kidding folks.
I notice http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/ appears in the category for "Best Specialist Outdoors Shop" as well as "Best Online Retailer". Its particularly great to see a small independent trader feature alongside such established High Street names such as Cotswold.
Especially given the short life of Podcast Bob's venture and its exclusively web based business. One set up in the face of some commercial disinterest from certain major suppliers.
Good to see Alpkit's innovative approach also rewarded with a nomination in the "Best Online Retailer" as well.
Voting is currently open if you want to take part. (and if you recheck the last couple of paragraphs you may discover a way to vote for both companies if you so desire. Ahem)
OM also has a category for "Best Campsite - Wherever I pitch my tent, that’s my home, but where would you rather pitch your tent?"
- Hollins Farm, Eskdale
- I’d rather be wild camping!
- Fort Augustus
- Langdale
- Wasdale Head NT
(Not saying what I voted for so there!)
And that reminds me............
There was an outburst of podcast activity last weekend. From Podcast Bob's perspective it was heartening to see his efforts over the last couple of the years starting to pull in sponsored shows.
Last time I counted Bob had released over 100 outdoor related podcasts with over 5000,000 downloads. And most podcasts have been researched, recorded, edited and issued at his own personal expense. But all free of charge to the listener, and with a global audience. Hopefully that sponsorship will continue to roll in.
And I can confirm that content and presentation of the material remains unaffected, impartial and as entertaining as ever.
I particularly enjoyed these Cicerone Press shows:
Cicerone
Press - The Book Story
Download MP3 File
Cicerone
Press - Navigation
Download MP3 File
Meanwhile the Outdoor Blogs keep on springing into life…..
A little bit about not a lot "A bit like a Great British jumble sale - it doesn't raise any money, is usually full of old tat nobody wants and very few people turn up"
Early days, but excellent for looking at wildcamping from the viewpoint of someone new to the scene and (thanks for the tip off Darren)
And finally ...........
The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ®
The venue has been selected for this year's gathering of the clans. The agenda is already chock full, as you'd naturally expect, with the Wildcamping E-Petition, and arranging the various (highly illegal?) wildcamp meets for 2008.
At this rate we may need our own hall next year for the hordes of adoring groupies.
Oh hang on - that was Fantasy. This is Reality.
Must be the cold weather affecting my mind.
OK, thats it for the present - I'm away to feed the E-P mojo (562 votes and rising) Labels: Backpackers Club - Bellingham Aprl 2007, blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger Convention
Monday, February 11
Planet Rock to Close - Nooooooooo!
As if I don't have enough going on in my life at present.
The Wildcamping E-Petition is coming along nicely (427 signatories and counting) with occasional effort on my part, alongside other stalwarts, to try and move it along in a positive manner. For its one of my rare jaunts into democratic agitation these days, disillusioned as I have become over the years with the cycnicism of so many failed attempts to p*ss into a prevailing headwind within this apathetic mass termed 'society'.
As Huxley astutely observed back in the 1930s, to quote Wikipedia's summary
".. humanity is carefree, healthy and technologically advanced..... the irony is that all of these things have been achieved by eliminating many things that humans consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy. It is also a hedonistic society, deriving pleasure from promiscuous sex and drug use, especially soma, a powerful psychotropic taken to escape pain and bad memories through hallucinatory fantasies. Additionally, stability has been achieved and is maintained via deliberately engineered and rigidly enforced social stratification"
Sound familiar to anyone out there - what another slice of Soma vicar?
But once more I see I've wandered off my theme - back on the track Johnnie!
One of the delights of DAB Radio was that finally I was able to choose to a radio station that I actually wanted to listen to. And listen to it lots.
After all that is the whole concept behind niche programming. And for radio it actually works at the moment. Unlike the pitiful attempts delivered by digital TV (And if you think reality TV shows are an all time low, wait until the fall-out from the US writers strike finally hit these shores with en-mass series cancellations)
My delight is principally BBC Radio 7 & Planet Rock with diversions across another 8 or 9 stations as the fancy/program schedule takes me.
And then this happens
(Picture courtesy of Planet Rock - go help out please!)
Planet Rock is the main station that all the DABs in the house are primarilty tuned into. I enjoy it so much that certain programs fit around my other life chores, rather than the other way around (Rick Wakeman's Saturday show for instance - excellent entertainment & a great reason to stay in bed on a Saturday morning)
Even the Channel ID links are uniquely entertaining - I kid thee not.
And it seems I'm not alone according to the advertising puff on it's owner's website:
"Planet Rock's audience just keeps growing - it reaches 563,000 classic rock lovers every week, in its sixth successive Rajar rise. Audiences and listening hours are up a massive 33% year on year, as the station's rock-solid brand promise continues to attract, and retain, the core male audience..........Planet Rock is an utterly unique and distinctive environment, delivering an ABC1 male audience previously unavailable to commercial radio"
But not anymore. Today I discover that despite all this 'success' the station is to be closed by its parent company at the end of March due to it being a 'non-core brand. Or in other words the first to get the chop because they're not making their profit elsewhere.
So that's sod the half a million listeners then?
Blimey - its only February and another petition signed already.
If this is the way that the year is going to go I know a nice quiet cave that has got my name on its reservation list for some considerable time to come. Might even find some Soma washed up on the beach if I wait long enough.
John 'Grumpy' Hee signing off for now. I've a radio station to enjoy. Whilst I still have time.Labels: Planet Rock radio
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Wednesday, February 6
Phenomena or Phut nomena?
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Sunday, February 3
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
This scene won't mean much to any of you out there unless you have a very sharp eye and know the Lake District views extremely well. Today it appears at the head of the new E--Petition campaign site.
But to me it's a time of great joy. And one wildcamp that I'd like to share to explain some of the associated passion.
We all have those moments of intense emotional highs. And much less commonly, thankfully, the lows as well.
Those times when you try to suck up inside you all that is happening. Storing that special emotional state away with mental triggers, to recall at less happier times.
Those times when you try to suck up inside you all that is happening. Storing that special emotional state away with mental triggers, to recall at less happier times.
Storing Hope, if you like.
Human memory being such a vague tool at times such moments may get mislaid, possibly never to return. And then suddenly thirty or so years later a trigger phrase, smell or image brings that occasion flooding back. Or at least some of the associated events and feelings. But it's rare to get that full emotional intensity as felt at the time.
August Bank Saturday lunchtime 2005. I stepped off the train at Windermere for an ad-hoc Lakeland wildcamp trip. No prior planning, just a sudden opportunity for a quick break that came from out of the blue. The rucksack, bulkier in those days, was a hurried collection of walking/camping gear left in a ready-to-go pile after my previous trip earlier in the year. As a result my synthetic sleeping bag proved too large to fit in the pack alongside the gear for a week away.
Hence my trip north from the station was broken by an afternoon in Ambleside urgently seeking a replacement bag to fit inside my pack. Or else spend the rest of the week lugging around unused camping gear whilst YHA hopping in the area.
Ambleside was that anthill of tourist activity that only a Bank Holiday brings. The outdoor shops, scenting the end of the camping season, were of course running down their stock. But finally I found a knowledgeable sales assistant, who listened to my predicament and was able to meet the criteria I set for a bag (compact, 2/3 summer wildcamp use, and within my price bracket)
I wandered out of the shop bearing a Vango Venom 225 a 3 season down offering that packed into such a ridiculously small space it could well have been carried in my pocket. The company name was one I recognised, but the bag/model unknown. A calculated risk, but then my choices were limited by necessity and time constraints.
Hopping a bus to Grasmere I alighted on to the village green for a quick change into walking gear. The pack now hugely reduced in volume once the walking boots were removed (and I'm still trying to work out how to overcome the 'boot' space on train/walk trips to this day)
Hitting the track up onto the fells rather late in the afternoon I met walkers descending from their day out. Once past Easedale Tarn I was the sole figure heading upwards. No crowds here. The earlier sunny weather now turning to ominous cloud with a moistness in the air.
I pitched at a new spot near Codale Tarn, one I'd noted in my trip log on a previous trip up to Sergeant Man. Well sheltered behind a large rock, safe from the freshening breeze, and successfully used the following year by Litehiker and his tarp at the UK Bloggers meet. A good spot.
The cloud cover was now complete but visibility remained good. In the valley I could see Grasmere a couple of hours walk away, and apparently a source of a mobile telephone mast as I was able to contact home to report my location, route plans, and emergency logistics.
A brew made, I was rested and refreshed following the exertion of my walk in. And then, suddenly, nothing.
The early start to catch the train from a station now 350 miles distant. The bus hopping northwards. The Ambleside shopping trip. The walk in. One continual rush to get to this spot. The next few days were mine to spend as I wished.
I sat and watched the world around me, settling into the environment.
A young buzzard mewed as it flew amongst the rocks above Codale Tarn. Its parents choosing this time to drive the now adult bird from their territory, to make its own place amongst the fells. I watched their interplay for an hour or so until the fledgling moved on.
The wind freshening and cloud cover complete - rain undoubtedly on the way as night approached. I turned on my MP3 player, a cheap simple memory stick. An experiment I was trying during this trip aware from experience that radio reception on the fells could be very variable.
Accompanied by the rich sound of my music selection I strolled about my temporary home, exploring amongst the rocks and water sources. Killing time it seemed. In reality soaking up that unusual feeling of having No time-target; No to-dos; No places-to-be. Just being.
Looking over to Grasmere I could imagine the bank holiday evening entertainment starting to get into full swing. But for me there had been no sight or sound from humanity for many hours.
Onto the player came a new piece of music, something I had quickly loaded the previous day. Rob Zombie's thumping ditty 'Pussy Liquor'. Not to everyone's taste I'm certain. But at that time and in that place the rhythm grabbed at me in a way that listening to it elsewhere wouldn't have been possible.
And for some reason, alone there high amongst the fell, I started to dance. Bopping amongst the rocks and heather And it just felt so right for the moment.
Playing the track as I sit typing these words I vividly recall the huge beaming smile I was wearing both at the total incongruity of that scene for any passer-by, and the deep sense of happiness and at-one -with-the-worldness deep within me.
The following day I walked straight into the teeth of a rather nasty gale force storm and recognising the high element of risk there followed an uncomfortable and very rapid descent to the safety of the Langdale valley.
But that sense of well being remained with me for many days, and is one that can be recalled when needed.
And the sleeping bag? A great bargain and still in regular use despite many temptations to replace it.
Labels: Gear, Mental Health, nature, walks
Memories are made of this - Bad Times
During a brief outing with the dogs earlier today I wandered off the beaten track and and came across this fresh reminder of Spring on its way. And that triggered a memory from past years. An extremely low time in my life.
The winter months - a time at which I still seem to find somewhat difficult each year.
For a few months I had far too much time to myself. Faced with the choices of a gradual decline into persistent inactivity or an all essential internal shake-up I fell back to trying to achieve small successes. Day by day living as it were.
Old ways which had served me well in the past were the starting point. A daily walk. Nowhere in particular as long as it was rural and mostly away from others.
An opportunity then to watch the land slowly come to life around me as the days lengthened. This particular tree, established on some patchy scrub land adjoining farm and common land was part of a regular route I used two or three times each week. With each visit I watched the changes of nature. Buds tipping the trees and bushes. Sprouts of vibrantly green grass poking through the leaf mould underfoot.
And then one day I suddenly was struck by the apparent outburst of dangling catkins, gently jiggling in the breeze. A reminder that life changes and to move along with it is the way of the world. But to remain positive in outlook whatever the circumstances. All is transitory, but good times will follow bad eventually; Given the inner resources to live through them.
So today on seeing the scene pictured above I took a deep breath. The bad times during those forlorn days mostly forgotten now. But the lessons remembered as an integral part of my own personal approach to living nowadays.
The tree breathing hope to all who may pass this spot. And have eyes to see.Labels: Mental Health, nature, walks
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 23)
One of the more welcoming spin-offs from the hectic activity behind the E-Petition is an opportunity to make contact with individuals across the outdoor communities. Especially those not directly walk/backpack related but also sharing the same deep love of the outdoors.
Natural Bushcraft
"Bushcraft is about feeling comfortable with nature's environment, learning to live within nature and gaining the knowledge & skills to do so respectfully"
Ashley site is a glorious example of the possibilities available on-line when integrating text/video for entertainment and hard fact.
And with the usual karmic effect I later tripped across the outdoor author John Merrill's site for a couple of timely reminders
Why I walk & The Art of Walking the John Merrill Way.
Meanwhile news from the NEC Outdoors Show that it will be opened this year by Bear Grylls (Possibly by jumping into Pendigo Lake to see how long he can survive?) Plus Simon Yates has just been confirmed as a speaker. There's definitely an increased number of TV celebs attending this year. A possible fallout from the sudden burst of outdoor shows on terrestrial TV channels last summer?
And finally a few updates on the E-Petition front. Last week saw a podcast interview with Chris Smith. Ex cabinet minister behind the CROW Act and President of the Ramblers Association. A timely insight into the consideration of how government approaches change.
Podzine - Lord Smith Interview
Download MP3 File
Coincidentally, John Manning a passionate advocate for not hiding this issue away, has written about his MP's response and how we can help. Reflecting on this official response the first reaction is that there's little encouragement.
But jointly there's good insights into just what is required to get the wildcamping issue taken seriously if it is to progress. The E-P's message is undoubtedly starting to make itself felt amongst the policy makers of our land.
And that's a big step forward achieved already.
No one ever claimed this would be easy. And the E-P is a first step to flush out the real issues, and gauge the true level of support.
So fittingly my last link is to the newly released E-Petition Campaign Website set up by Darren, the instigator behind the E-P. And unwitting cause behind my current lack of any free time
(I really must have a word with him when next we meet. Hmm)Labels: blog media, E-Petition-Wildcamping, media, podcasts
Wednesday, February 20
Wildcamp E-Petition Update
I've deliberately avoided posting regular updates on the E-Petition, the ground already being covered so admirably amongst my fellow UK Outdoor Bloggers.
But there's been a couple of developments recently that are worth flagging (buzzword alert!).
Darren has taken head-on a recurrent criticism. One that goes something along the lines of "not in my back garden you don't ...."
No apology for reproducing his summary in case this clarifies the postion for any of you out there who remain undecided on whether to support the E-Petition (vote here).
"What we have with this petition is a starting point. A chance to debate, and define what is fair access to open countryside to allow wild camping.
The petition isn’t asking to allow people to camp in lay bys, fields of crops or peoples gardens.
It’s asking for the assumption that if you follow the rules (to be defined) then the assumption is that you have permission to be there. Break those rules, then you are not wild camping, and open to prosecution"
Thanks Darren. Succinctly put.
Meanhile the E-P campaign has gone global. I recieved a mail today from Phillip Werner pointing me towards his slightly envious post from an American wildcamper's viewpoint.
This puts the current initiative into perspective. So why in the UK do we seem to regularly approach a problem from the stance “YOU shouldn’t do that because…..” rather than “How can WE make it work ……”
Food for thought for us all maybe?
And finally...
Plans for a E-P prescence at the NEC Outdoors Show are moving along in a very positive way. I also intend to take the opportunity to do some bridge building with the more established 'big guns' of the UK Outdoor Access scene. To explain the current activity, the E-P position, and to start considering what further level of interest there may be. More to come nearer the time on this.
So. Is there life beyond the E-Petition?
I've no idea. But it won't be for want of finally getting the issue out on the table (buzzword alert!) and onto the public agenda (buzzword alert!).
And thats a positive success amongst the usual trivia we so regularly get tied up with on the UK outdoors scene.
And one that depends on YOU.
(Next post - a national appeal to de-buzzword my pc - is there some sort of virus going around maybe?)Labels: E-Petition-Wildcamping
Monday, February 18
aRoundabout - outdoor news/views (Feb 18)
Postings on here are a little haphazard at present due to a combination of work pressure, sunny days, and the background activity taking place to support the Wildcamping E-Petition. For me that's a real frustration sat here as I am amongst small piles of post-it notes and part written articles covering such diverse topics as press independence and the UK Outdoor magazine scene, the upcoming NEC Outdoors Show, and of course a few local walks that I promised weeks ago and haven't polished up as yet.
But with current deadlines associated with E-P activity fast approaching, particularly related to 'a little something' for the Outdoor Show in March, each day just doesn’t seem long enough. Well not without cybernetic surgery into a semi-permanent part of damned pc.
And that I'm not prepared to do.
It’s a somewhat perverse lesson to realise that the time spent writing about 'doing' outdoor things can only be found by actually practising them less. A balance that as the days warm up I intend to address well away from this darned keyboard.
And that smooooooooooooth link gets me straight into my first plug:
Lightweight equipment and tent show
After last year's hugely successfully Backpackers Club AGM the club have announced that their 2008 event will be in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell, in the Peak District on 26th April.
For many of us the 2007 event was very tempting, but the Northumberland location meant travel time for a weekend event was tight if you lived in the south of the UK. This year's venue is more central and has me checking my diary already.
The event plans to once again include a lightweight equipment and tent show to run alongside the Club's annual spring gathering. This will be open to all & entry is free.
A great chance to see lightweight backpacking equipment in the flesh, to meet the people who really use the gear, and the faces behind the specialist companies who design and supply it.
More information on the BPC site.
Can you just picture the scene of desolation, with all available deadwood cleared for miles around to fuel the hundred of flickering Bushbuddy cookers?
OM Awards
Meanwhile voting has opened for the Outdoors Magic Awards with the winners to be award their bounty on the 16th of March at the Cumberland Arms Pub. Live from the NEC Outdoors Show.
Well that's if there's anything left of the area if The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ® get a similar friendly reception along the lines of what we received last year. Only kidding folks.
I notice http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/ appears in the category for "Best Specialist Outdoors Shop" as well as "Best Online Retailer". Its particularly great to see a small independent trader feature alongside such established High Street names such as Cotswold.
Especially given the short life of Podcast Bob's venture and its exclusively web based business. One set up in the face of some commercial disinterest from certain major suppliers.
Good to see Alpkit's innovative approach also rewarded with a nomination in the "Best Online Retailer" as well.
Voting is currently open if you want to take part. (and if you recheck the last couple of paragraphs you may discover a way to vote for both companies if you so desire. Ahem)
OM also has a category for "Best Campsite - Wherever I pitch my tent, that’s my home, but where would you rather pitch your tent?"
- Hollins Farm, Eskdale
- I’d rather be wild camping!
- Fort Augustus
- Langdale
- Wasdale Head NT
(Not saying what I voted for so there!)
And that reminds me............
There was an outburst of podcast activity last weekend. From Podcast Bob's perspective it was heartening to see his efforts over the last couple of the years starting to pull in sponsored shows.
Last time I counted Bob had released over 100 outdoor related podcasts with over 5000,000 downloads. And most podcasts have been researched, recorded, edited and issued at his own personal expense. But all free of charge to the listener, and with a global audience. Hopefully that sponsorship will continue to roll in.
And I can confirm that content and presentation of the material remains unaffected, impartial and as entertaining as ever.
I particularly enjoyed these Cicerone Press shows:
Cicerone
Press - The Book Story
Download MP3 File
Cicerone
Press - Navigation
Download MP3 File
Meanwhile the Outdoor Blogs keep on springing into life…..
A little bit about not a lot "A bit like a Great British jumble sale - it doesn't raise any money, is usually full of old tat nobody wants and very few people turn up"
Early days, but excellent for looking at wildcamping from the viewpoint of someone new to the scene and (thanks for the tip off Darren)
And finally ...........
The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ®
The venue has been selected for this year's gathering of the clans. The agenda is already chock full, as you'd naturally expect, with the Wildcamping E-Petition, and arranging the various (highly illegal?) wildcamp meets for 2008.
At this rate we may need our own hall next year for the hordes of adoring groupies.
Oh hang on - that was Fantasy. This is Reality.
Must be the cold weather affecting my mind.
OK, thats it for the present - I'm away to feed the E-P mojo (562 votes and rising) Labels: Backpackers Club - Bellingham Aprl 2007, blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger Convention
Monday, February 11
Planet Rock to Close - Nooooooooo!
As if I don't have enough going on in my life at present.
The Wildcamping E-Petition is coming along nicely (427 signatories and counting) with occasional effort on my part, alongside other stalwarts, to try and move it along in a positive manner. For its one of my rare jaunts into democratic agitation these days, disillusioned as I have become over the years with the cycnicism of so many failed attempts to p*ss into a prevailing headwind within this apathetic mass termed 'society'.
As Huxley astutely observed back in the 1930s, to quote Wikipedia's summary
".. humanity is carefree, healthy and technologically advanced..... the irony is that all of these things have been achieved by eliminating many things that humans consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy. It is also a hedonistic society, deriving pleasure from promiscuous sex and drug use, especially soma, a powerful psychotropic taken to escape pain and bad memories through hallucinatory fantasies. Additionally, stability has been achieved and is maintained via deliberately engineered and rigidly enforced social stratification"
Sound familiar to anyone out there - what another slice of Soma vicar?
But once more I see I've wandered off my theme - back on the track Johnnie!
One of the delights of DAB Radio was that finally I was able to choose to a radio station that I actually wanted to listen to. And listen to it lots.
After all that is the whole concept behind niche programming. And for radio it actually works at the moment. Unlike the pitiful attempts delivered by digital TV (And if you think reality TV shows are an all time low, wait until the fall-out from the US writers strike finally hit these shores with en-mass series cancellations)
My delight is principally BBC Radio 7 & Planet Rock with diversions across another 8 or 9 stations as the fancy/program schedule takes me.
And then this happens
(Picture courtesy of Planet Rock - go help out please!)
Planet Rock is the main station that all the DABs in the house are primarilty tuned into. I enjoy it so much that certain programs fit around my other life chores, rather than the other way around (Rick Wakeman's Saturday show for instance - excellent entertainment & a great reason to stay in bed on a Saturday morning)
Even the Channel ID links are uniquely entertaining - I kid thee not.
And it seems I'm not alone according to the advertising puff on it's owner's website:
"Planet Rock's audience just keeps growing - it reaches 563,000 classic rock lovers every week, in its sixth successive Rajar rise. Audiences and listening hours are up a massive 33% year on year, as the station's rock-solid brand promise continues to attract, and retain, the core male audience..........Planet Rock is an utterly unique and distinctive environment, delivering an ABC1 male audience previously unavailable to commercial radio"
But not anymore. Today I discover that despite all this 'success' the station is to be closed by its parent company at the end of March due to it being a 'non-core brand. Or in other words the first to get the chop because they're not making their profit elsewhere.
So that's sod the half a million listeners then?
Blimey - its only February and another petition signed already.
If this is the way that the year is going to go I know a nice quiet cave that has got my name on its reservation list for some considerable time to come. Might even find some Soma washed up on the beach if I wait long enough.
John 'Grumpy' Hee signing off for now. I've a radio station to enjoy. Whilst I still have time.Labels: Planet Rock radio
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Wednesday, February 6
Phenomena or Phut nomena?
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Sunday, February 3
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
During a brief outing with the dogs earlier today I wandered off the beaten track and and came across this fresh reminder of Spring on its way. And that triggered a memory from past years. An extremely low time in my life.
The winter months - a time at which I still seem to find somewhat difficult each year.
For a few months I had far too much time to myself. Faced with the choices of a gradual decline into persistent inactivity or an all essential internal shake-up I fell back to trying to achieve small successes. Day by day living as it were.
Old ways which had served me well in the past were the starting point. A daily walk. Nowhere in particular as long as it was rural and mostly away from others.
An opportunity then to watch the land slowly come to life around me as the days lengthened. This particular tree, established on some patchy scrub land adjoining farm and common land was part of a regular route I used two or three times each week. With each visit I watched the changes of nature. Buds tipping the trees and bushes. Sprouts of vibrantly green grass poking through the leaf mould underfoot.
And then one day I suddenly was struck by the apparent outburst of dangling catkins, gently jiggling in the breeze. A reminder that life changes and to move along with it is the way of the world. But to remain positive in outlook whatever the circumstances. All is transitory, but good times will follow bad eventually; Given the inner resources to live through them.
So today on seeing the scene pictured above I took a deep breath. The bad times during those forlorn days mostly forgotten now. But the lessons remembered as an integral part of my own personal approach to living nowadays.
The tree breathing hope to all who may pass this spot. And have eyes to see.
Labels: Mental Health, nature, walks
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 23)
One of the more welcoming spin-offs from the hectic activity behind the E-Petition is an opportunity to make contact with individuals across the outdoor communities. Especially those not directly walk/backpack related but also sharing the same deep love of the outdoors.
Natural Bushcraft
"Bushcraft is about feeling comfortable with nature's environment, learning to live within nature and gaining the knowledge & skills to do so respectfully"
Ashley site is a glorious example of the possibilities available on-line when integrating text/video for entertainment and hard fact.
And with the usual karmic effect I later tripped across the outdoor author John Merrill's site for a couple of timely reminders
Why I walk & The Art of Walking the John Merrill Way.
Meanwhile news from the NEC Outdoors Show that it will be opened this year by Bear Grylls (Possibly by jumping into Pendigo Lake to see how long he can survive?) Plus Simon Yates has just been confirmed as a speaker. There's definitely an increased number of TV celebs attending this year. A possible fallout from the sudden burst of outdoor shows on terrestrial TV channels last summer?
And finally a few updates on the E-Petition front. Last week saw a podcast interview with Chris Smith. Ex cabinet minister behind the CROW Act and President of the Ramblers Association. A timely insight into the consideration of how government approaches change.
Podzine - Lord Smith Interview
Download MP3 File
Coincidentally, John Manning a passionate advocate for not hiding this issue away, has written about his MP's response and how we can help. Reflecting on this official response the first reaction is that there's little encouragement.
But jointly there's good insights into just what is required to get the wildcamping issue taken seriously if it is to progress. The E-P's message is undoubtedly starting to make itself felt amongst the policy makers of our land.
And that's a big step forward achieved already.
No one ever claimed this would be easy. And the E-P is a first step to flush out the real issues, and gauge the true level of support.
So fittingly my last link is to the newly released E-Petition Campaign Website set up by Darren, the instigator behind the E-P. And unwitting cause behind my current lack of any free time
(I really must have a word with him when next we meet. Hmm)Labels: blog media, E-Petition-Wildcamping, media, podcasts
Wednesday, February 20
Wildcamp E-Petition Update
I've deliberately avoided posting regular updates on the E-Petition, the ground already being covered so admirably amongst my fellow UK Outdoor Bloggers.
But there's been a couple of developments recently that are worth flagging (buzzword alert!).
Darren has taken head-on a recurrent criticism. One that goes something along the lines of "not in my back garden you don't ...."
No apology for reproducing his summary in case this clarifies the postion for any of you out there who remain undecided on whether to support the E-Petition (vote here).
"What we have with this petition is a starting point. A chance to debate, and define what is fair access to open countryside to allow wild camping.
The petition isn’t asking to allow people to camp in lay bys, fields of crops or peoples gardens.
It’s asking for the assumption that if you follow the rules (to be defined) then the assumption is that you have permission to be there. Break those rules, then you are not wild camping, and open to prosecution"
Thanks Darren. Succinctly put.
Meanhile the E-P campaign has gone global. I recieved a mail today from Phillip Werner pointing me towards his slightly envious post from an American wildcamper's viewpoint.
This puts the current initiative into perspective. So why in the UK do we seem to regularly approach a problem from the stance “YOU shouldn’t do that because…..” rather than “How can WE make it work ……”
Food for thought for us all maybe?
And finally...
Plans for a E-P prescence at the NEC Outdoors Show are moving along in a very positive way. I also intend to take the opportunity to do some bridge building with the more established 'big guns' of the UK Outdoor Access scene. To explain the current activity, the E-P position, and to start considering what further level of interest there may be. More to come nearer the time on this.
So. Is there life beyond the E-Petition?
I've no idea. But it won't be for want of finally getting the issue out on the table (buzzword alert!) and onto the public agenda (buzzword alert!).
And thats a positive success amongst the usual trivia we so regularly get tied up with on the UK outdoors scene.
And one that depends on YOU.
(Next post - a national appeal to de-buzzword my pc - is there some sort of virus going around maybe?)Labels: E-Petition-Wildcamping
Monday, February 18
aRoundabout - outdoor news/views (Feb 18)
Postings on here are a little haphazard at present due to a combination of work pressure, sunny days, and the background activity taking place to support the Wildcamping E-Petition. For me that's a real frustration sat here as I am amongst small piles of post-it notes and part written articles covering such diverse topics as press independence and the UK Outdoor magazine scene, the upcoming NEC Outdoors Show, and of course a few local walks that I promised weeks ago and haven't polished up as yet.
But with current deadlines associated with E-P activity fast approaching, particularly related to 'a little something' for the Outdoor Show in March, each day just doesn’t seem long enough. Well not without cybernetic surgery into a semi-permanent part of damned pc.
And that I'm not prepared to do.
It’s a somewhat perverse lesson to realise that the time spent writing about 'doing' outdoor things can only be found by actually practising them less. A balance that as the days warm up I intend to address well away from this darned keyboard.
And that smooooooooooooth link gets me straight into my first plug:
Lightweight equipment and tent show
After last year's hugely successfully Backpackers Club AGM the club have announced that their 2008 event will be in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell, in the Peak District on 26th April.
For many of us the 2007 event was very tempting, but the Northumberland location meant travel time for a weekend event was tight if you lived in the south of the UK. This year's venue is more central and has me checking my diary already.
The event plans to once again include a lightweight equipment and tent show to run alongside the Club's annual spring gathering. This will be open to all & entry is free.
A great chance to see lightweight backpacking equipment in the flesh, to meet the people who really use the gear, and the faces behind the specialist companies who design and supply it.
More information on the BPC site.
Can you just picture the scene of desolation, with all available deadwood cleared for miles around to fuel the hundred of flickering Bushbuddy cookers?
OM Awards
Meanwhile voting has opened for the Outdoors Magic Awards with the winners to be award their bounty on the 16th of March at the Cumberland Arms Pub. Live from the NEC Outdoors Show.
Well that's if there's anything left of the area if The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ® get a similar friendly reception along the lines of what we received last year. Only kidding folks.
I notice http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/ appears in the category for "Best Specialist Outdoors Shop" as well as "Best Online Retailer". Its particularly great to see a small independent trader feature alongside such established High Street names such as Cotswold.
Especially given the short life of Podcast Bob's venture and its exclusively web based business. One set up in the face of some commercial disinterest from certain major suppliers.
Good to see Alpkit's innovative approach also rewarded with a nomination in the "Best Online Retailer" as well.
Voting is currently open if you want to take part. (and if you recheck the last couple of paragraphs you may discover a way to vote for both companies if you so desire. Ahem)
OM also has a category for "Best Campsite - Wherever I pitch my tent, that’s my home, but where would you rather pitch your tent?"
- Hollins Farm, Eskdale
- I’d rather be wild camping!
- Fort Augustus
- Langdale
- Wasdale Head NT
(Not saying what I voted for so there!)
And that reminds me............
There was an outburst of podcast activity last weekend. From Podcast Bob's perspective it was heartening to see his efforts over the last couple of the years starting to pull in sponsored shows.
Last time I counted Bob had released over 100 outdoor related podcasts with over 5000,000 downloads. And most podcasts have been researched, recorded, edited and issued at his own personal expense. But all free of charge to the listener, and with a global audience. Hopefully that sponsorship will continue to roll in.
And I can confirm that content and presentation of the material remains unaffected, impartial and as entertaining as ever.
I particularly enjoyed these Cicerone Press shows:
Cicerone
Press - The Book Story
Download MP3 File
Cicerone
Press - Navigation
Download MP3 File
Meanwhile the Outdoor Blogs keep on springing into life…..
A little bit about not a lot "A bit like a Great British jumble sale - it doesn't raise any money, is usually full of old tat nobody wants and very few people turn up"
Early days, but excellent for looking at wildcamping from the viewpoint of someone new to the scene and (thanks for the tip off Darren)
And finally ...........
The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ®
The venue has been selected for this year's gathering of the clans. The agenda is already chock full, as you'd naturally expect, with the Wildcamping E-Petition, and arranging the various (highly illegal?) wildcamp meets for 2008.
At this rate we may need our own hall next year for the hordes of adoring groupies.
Oh hang on - that was Fantasy. This is Reality.
Must be the cold weather affecting my mind.
OK, thats it for the present - I'm away to feed the E-P mojo (562 votes and rising) Labels: Backpackers Club - Bellingham Aprl 2007, blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger Convention
Monday, February 11
Planet Rock to Close - Nooooooooo!
As if I don't have enough going on in my life at present.
The Wildcamping E-Petition is coming along nicely (427 signatories and counting) with occasional effort on my part, alongside other stalwarts, to try and move it along in a positive manner. For its one of my rare jaunts into democratic agitation these days, disillusioned as I have become over the years with the cycnicism of so many failed attempts to p*ss into a prevailing headwind within this apathetic mass termed 'society'.
As Huxley astutely observed back in the 1930s, to quote Wikipedia's summary
".. humanity is carefree, healthy and technologically advanced..... the irony is that all of these things have been achieved by eliminating many things that humans consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy. It is also a hedonistic society, deriving pleasure from promiscuous sex and drug use, especially soma, a powerful psychotropic taken to escape pain and bad memories through hallucinatory fantasies. Additionally, stability has been achieved and is maintained via deliberately engineered and rigidly enforced social stratification"
Sound familiar to anyone out there - what another slice of Soma vicar?
But once more I see I've wandered off my theme - back on the track Johnnie!
One of the delights of DAB Radio was that finally I was able to choose to a radio station that I actually wanted to listen to. And listen to it lots.
After all that is the whole concept behind niche programming. And for radio it actually works at the moment. Unlike the pitiful attempts delivered by digital TV (And if you think reality TV shows are an all time low, wait until the fall-out from the US writers strike finally hit these shores with en-mass series cancellations)
My delight is principally BBC Radio 7 & Planet Rock with diversions across another 8 or 9 stations as the fancy/program schedule takes me.
And then this happens
(Picture courtesy of Planet Rock - go help out please!)
Planet Rock is the main station that all the DABs in the house are primarilty tuned into. I enjoy it so much that certain programs fit around my other life chores, rather than the other way around (Rick Wakeman's Saturday show for instance - excellent entertainment & a great reason to stay in bed on a Saturday morning)
Even the Channel ID links are uniquely entertaining - I kid thee not.
And it seems I'm not alone according to the advertising puff on it's owner's website:
"Planet Rock's audience just keeps growing - it reaches 563,000 classic rock lovers every week, in its sixth successive Rajar rise. Audiences and listening hours are up a massive 33% year on year, as the station's rock-solid brand promise continues to attract, and retain, the core male audience..........Planet Rock is an utterly unique and distinctive environment, delivering an ABC1 male audience previously unavailable to commercial radio"
But not anymore. Today I discover that despite all this 'success' the station is to be closed by its parent company at the end of March due to it being a 'non-core brand. Or in other words the first to get the chop because they're not making their profit elsewhere.
So that's sod the half a million listeners then?
Blimey - its only February and another petition signed already.
If this is the way that the year is going to go I know a nice quiet cave that has got my name on its reservation list for some considerable time to come. Might even find some Soma washed up on the beach if I wait long enough.
John 'Grumpy' Hee signing off for now. I've a radio station to enjoy. Whilst I still have time.Labels: Planet Rock radio
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Wednesday, February 6
Phenomena or Phut nomena?
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Sunday, February 3
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Natural Bushcraft
"Bushcraft is about feeling comfortable with nature's environment, learning to live within nature and gaining the knowledge & skills to do so respectfully"
Ashley site is a glorious example of the possibilities available on-line when integrating text/video for entertainment and hard fact.
And with the usual karmic effect I later tripped across the outdoor author John Merrill's site for a couple of timely reminders
Why I walk & The Art of Walking the John Merrill Way.
Meanwhile news from the NEC Outdoors Show that it will be opened this year by Bear Grylls (Possibly by jumping into Pendigo Lake to see how long he can survive?) Plus Simon Yates has just been confirmed as a speaker. There's definitely an increased number of TV celebs attending this year. A possible fallout from the sudden burst of outdoor shows on terrestrial TV channels last summer?
And finally a few updates on the E-Petition front. Last week saw a podcast interview with Chris Smith. Ex cabinet minister behind the CROW Act and President of the Ramblers Association. A timely insight into the consideration of how government approaches change.
Podzine - Lord Smith Interview
Download MP3 File
Download MP3 File
Coincidentally, John Manning a passionate advocate for not hiding this issue away, has written about his MP's response and how we can help. Reflecting on this official response the first reaction is that there's little encouragement.
But jointly there's good insights into just what is required to get the wildcamping issue taken seriously if it is to progress. The E-P's message is undoubtedly starting to make itself felt amongst the policy makers of our land.
And that's a big step forward achieved already.
No one ever claimed this would be easy. And the E-P is a first step to flush out the real issues, and gauge the true level of support.
So fittingly my last link is to the newly released E-Petition Campaign Website set up by Darren, the instigator behind the E-P. And unwitting cause behind my current lack of any free time
(I really must have a word with him when next we meet. Hmm)
Labels: blog media, E-Petition-Wildcamping, media, podcasts
Wildcamp E-Petition Update
I've deliberately avoided posting regular updates on the E-Petition, the ground already being covered so admirably amongst my fellow UK Outdoor Bloggers.
But there's been a couple of developments recently that are worth flagging (buzzword alert!).
Darren has taken head-on a recurrent criticism. One that goes something along the lines of "not in my back garden you don't ...."
No apology for reproducing his summary in case this clarifies the postion for any of you out there who remain undecided on whether to support the E-Petition (vote here).
"What we have with this petition is a starting point. A chance to debate, and define what is fair access to open countryside to allow wild camping.
The petition isn’t asking to allow people to camp in lay bys, fields of crops or peoples gardens.
It’s asking for the assumption that if you follow the rules (to be defined) then the assumption is that you have permission to be there. Break those rules, then you are not wild camping, and open to prosecution"
Thanks Darren. Succinctly put.
Meanhile the E-P campaign has gone global. I recieved a mail today from Phillip Werner pointing me towards his slightly envious post from an American wildcamper's viewpoint.
This puts the current initiative into perspective. So why in the UK do we seem to regularly approach a problem from the stance “YOU shouldn’t do that because…..” rather than “How can WE make it work ……”
Food for thought for us all maybe?
And finally...
Plans for a E-P prescence at the NEC Outdoors Show are moving along in a very positive way. I also intend to take the opportunity to do some bridge building with the more established 'big guns' of the UK Outdoor Access scene. To explain the current activity, the E-P position, and to start considering what further level of interest there may be. More to come nearer the time on this.
So. Is there life beyond the E-Petition?
I've no idea. But it won't be for want of finally getting the issue out on the table (buzzword alert!) and onto the public agenda (buzzword alert!).
And thats a positive success amongst the usual trivia we so regularly get tied up with on the UK outdoors scene.
And one that depends on YOU.
(Next post - a national appeal to de-buzzword my pc - is there some sort of virus going around maybe?)Labels: E-Petition-Wildcamping
Monday, February 18
aRoundabout - outdoor news/views (Feb 18)
Postings on here are a little haphazard at present due to a combination of work pressure, sunny days, and the background activity taking place to support the Wildcamping E-Petition. For me that's a real frustration sat here as I am amongst small piles of post-it notes and part written articles covering such diverse topics as press independence and the UK Outdoor magazine scene, the upcoming NEC Outdoors Show, and of course a few local walks that I promised weeks ago and haven't polished up as yet.
But with current deadlines associated with E-P activity fast approaching, particularly related to 'a little something' for the Outdoor Show in March, each day just doesn’t seem long enough. Well not without cybernetic surgery into a semi-permanent part of damned pc.
And that I'm not prepared to do.
It’s a somewhat perverse lesson to realise that the time spent writing about 'doing' outdoor things can only be found by actually practising them less. A balance that as the days warm up I intend to address well away from this darned keyboard.
And that smooooooooooooth link gets me straight into my first plug:
Lightweight equipment and tent show
After last year's hugely successfully Backpackers Club AGM the club have announced that their 2008 event will be in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell, in the Peak District on 26th April.
For many of us the 2007 event was very tempting, but the Northumberland location meant travel time for a weekend event was tight if you lived in the south of the UK. This year's venue is more central and has me checking my diary already.
The event plans to once again include a lightweight equipment and tent show to run alongside the Club's annual spring gathering. This will be open to all & entry is free.
A great chance to see lightweight backpacking equipment in the flesh, to meet the people who really use the gear, and the faces behind the specialist companies who design and supply it.
More information on the BPC site.
Can you just picture the scene of desolation, with all available deadwood cleared for miles around to fuel the hundred of flickering Bushbuddy cookers?
OM Awards
Meanwhile voting has opened for the Outdoors Magic Awards with the winners to be award their bounty on the 16th of March at the Cumberland Arms Pub. Live from the NEC Outdoors Show.
Well that's if there's anything left of the area if The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ® get a similar friendly reception along the lines of what we received last year. Only kidding folks.
I notice http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/ appears in the category for "Best Specialist Outdoors Shop" as well as "Best Online Retailer". Its particularly great to see a small independent trader feature alongside such established High Street names such as Cotswold.
Especially given the short life of Podcast Bob's venture and its exclusively web based business. One set up in the face of some commercial disinterest from certain major suppliers.
Good to see Alpkit's innovative approach also rewarded with a nomination in the "Best Online Retailer" as well.
Voting is currently open if you want to take part. (and if you recheck the last couple of paragraphs you may discover a way to vote for both companies if you so desire. Ahem)
OM also has a category for "Best Campsite - Wherever I pitch my tent, that’s my home, but where would you rather pitch your tent?"
- Hollins Farm, Eskdale
- I’d rather be wild camping!
- Fort Augustus
- Langdale
- Wasdale Head NT
(Not saying what I voted for so there!)
And that reminds me............
There was an outburst of podcast activity last weekend. From Podcast Bob's perspective it was heartening to see his efforts over the last couple of the years starting to pull in sponsored shows.
Last time I counted Bob had released over 100 outdoor related podcasts with over 5000,000 downloads. And most podcasts have been researched, recorded, edited and issued at his own personal expense. But all free of charge to the listener, and with a global audience. Hopefully that sponsorship will continue to roll in.
And I can confirm that content and presentation of the material remains unaffected, impartial and as entertaining as ever.
I particularly enjoyed these Cicerone Press shows:
Cicerone
Press - The Book Story
Download MP3 File
Cicerone
Press - Navigation
Download MP3 File
Meanwhile the Outdoor Blogs keep on springing into life…..
A little bit about not a lot "A bit like a Great British jumble sale - it doesn't raise any money, is usually full of old tat nobody wants and very few people turn up"
Early days, but excellent for looking at wildcamping from the viewpoint of someone new to the scene and (thanks for the tip off Darren)
And finally ...........
The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ®
The venue has been selected for this year's gathering of the clans. The agenda is already chock full, as you'd naturally expect, with the Wildcamping E-Petition, and arranging the various (highly illegal?) wildcamp meets for 2008.
At this rate we may need our own hall next year for the hordes of adoring groupies.
Oh hang on - that was Fantasy. This is Reality.
Must be the cold weather affecting my mind.
OK, thats it for the present - I'm away to feed the E-P mojo (562 votes and rising) Labels: Backpackers Club - Bellingham Aprl 2007, blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger Convention
Monday, February 11
Planet Rock to Close - Nooooooooo!
As if I don't have enough going on in my life at present.
The Wildcamping E-Petition is coming along nicely (427 signatories and counting) with occasional effort on my part, alongside other stalwarts, to try and move it along in a positive manner. For its one of my rare jaunts into democratic agitation these days, disillusioned as I have become over the years with the cycnicism of so many failed attempts to p*ss into a prevailing headwind within this apathetic mass termed 'society'.
As Huxley astutely observed back in the 1930s, to quote Wikipedia's summary
".. humanity is carefree, healthy and technologically advanced..... the irony is that all of these things have been achieved by eliminating many things that humans consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy. It is also a hedonistic society, deriving pleasure from promiscuous sex and drug use, especially soma, a powerful psychotropic taken to escape pain and bad memories through hallucinatory fantasies. Additionally, stability has been achieved and is maintained via deliberately engineered and rigidly enforced social stratification"
Sound familiar to anyone out there - what another slice of Soma vicar?
But once more I see I've wandered off my theme - back on the track Johnnie!
One of the delights of DAB Radio was that finally I was able to choose to a radio station that I actually wanted to listen to. And listen to it lots.
After all that is the whole concept behind niche programming. And for radio it actually works at the moment. Unlike the pitiful attempts delivered by digital TV (And if you think reality TV shows are an all time low, wait until the fall-out from the US writers strike finally hit these shores with en-mass series cancellations)
My delight is principally BBC Radio 7 & Planet Rock with diversions across another 8 or 9 stations as the fancy/program schedule takes me.
And then this happens
(Picture courtesy of Planet Rock - go help out please!)
Planet Rock is the main station that all the DABs in the house are primarilty tuned into. I enjoy it so much that certain programs fit around my other life chores, rather than the other way around (Rick Wakeman's Saturday show for instance - excellent entertainment & a great reason to stay in bed on a Saturday morning)
Even the Channel ID links are uniquely entertaining - I kid thee not.
And it seems I'm not alone according to the advertising puff on it's owner's website:
"Planet Rock's audience just keeps growing - it reaches 563,000 classic rock lovers every week, in its sixth successive Rajar rise. Audiences and listening hours are up a massive 33% year on year, as the station's rock-solid brand promise continues to attract, and retain, the core male audience..........Planet Rock is an utterly unique and distinctive environment, delivering an ABC1 male audience previously unavailable to commercial radio"
But not anymore. Today I discover that despite all this 'success' the station is to be closed by its parent company at the end of March due to it being a 'non-core brand. Or in other words the first to get the chop because they're not making their profit elsewhere.
So that's sod the half a million listeners then?
Blimey - its only February and another petition signed already.
If this is the way that the year is going to go I know a nice quiet cave that has got my name on its reservation list for some considerable time to come. Might even find some Soma washed up on the beach if I wait long enough.
John 'Grumpy' Hee signing off for now. I've a radio station to enjoy. Whilst I still have time.Labels: Planet Rock radio
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Wednesday, February 6
Phenomena or Phut nomena?
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Sunday, February 3
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
But there's been a couple of developments recently that are worth flagging (buzzword alert!).
Darren has taken head-on a recurrent criticism. One that goes something along the lines of "not in my back garden you don't ...."
No apology for reproducing his summary in case this clarifies the postion for any of you out there who remain undecided on whether to support the E-Petition (vote here).
"What we have with this petition is a starting point. A chance to debate, and define what is fair access to open countryside to allow wild camping.
The petition isn’t asking to allow people to camp in lay bys, fields of crops or peoples gardens.
It’s asking for the assumption that if you follow the rules (to be defined) then the assumption is that you have permission to be there. Break those rules, then you are not wild camping, and open to prosecution"
Thanks Darren. Succinctly put.
Meanhile the E-P campaign has gone global. I recieved a mail today from Phillip Werner pointing me towards his slightly envious post from an American wildcamper's viewpoint.
This puts the current initiative into perspective. So why in the UK do we seem to regularly approach a problem from the stance “YOU shouldn’t do that because…..” rather than “How can WE make it work ……”
Food for thought for us all maybe?
And finally...
Plans for a E-P prescence at the NEC Outdoors Show are moving along in a very positive way. I also intend to take the opportunity to do some bridge building with the more established 'big guns' of the UK Outdoor Access scene. To explain the current activity, the E-P position, and to start considering what further level of interest there may be. More to come nearer the time on this.
So. Is there life beyond the E-Petition?
I've no idea. But it won't be for want of finally getting the issue out on the table (buzzword alert!) and onto the public agenda (buzzword alert!).
And thats a positive success amongst the usual trivia we so regularly get tied up with on the UK outdoors scene.
And one that depends on YOU.
(Next post - a national appeal to de-buzzword my pc - is there some sort of virus going around maybe?)
Labels: E-Petition-Wildcamping
aRoundabout - outdoor news/views (Feb 18)
Postings on here are a little haphazard at present due to a combination of work pressure, sunny days, and the background activity taking place to support the Wildcamping E-Petition. For me that's a real frustration sat here as I am amongst small piles of post-it notes and part written articles covering such diverse topics as press independence and the UK Outdoor magazine scene, the upcoming NEC Outdoors Show, and of course a few local walks that I promised weeks ago and haven't polished up as yet.
But with current deadlines associated with E-P activity fast approaching, particularly related to 'a little something' for the Outdoor Show in March, each day just doesn’t seem long enough. Well not without cybernetic surgery into a semi-permanent part of damned pc.
And that I'm not prepared to do.
It’s a somewhat perverse lesson to realise that the time spent writing about 'doing' outdoor things can only be found by actually practising them less. A balance that as the days warm up I intend to address well away from this darned keyboard.
And that smooooooooooooth link gets me straight into my first plug:
Lightweight equipment and tent show
After last year's hugely successfully Backpackers Club AGM the club have announced that their 2008 event will be in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell, in the Peak District on 26th April.
For many of us the 2007 event was very tempting, but the Northumberland location meant travel time for a weekend event was tight if you lived in the south of the UK. This year's venue is more central and has me checking my diary already.
The event plans to once again include a lightweight equipment and tent show to run alongside the Club's annual spring gathering. This will be open to all & entry is free.
A great chance to see lightweight backpacking equipment in the flesh, to meet the people who really use the gear, and the faces behind the specialist companies who design and supply it.
More information on the BPC site.
Can you just picture the scene of desolation, with all available deadwood cleared for miles around to fuel the hundred of flickering Bushbuddy cookers?
OM Awards
Meanwhile voting has opened for the Outdoors Magic Awards with the winners to be award their bounty on the 16th of March at the Cumberland Arms Pub. Live from the NEC Outdoors Show.
Well that's if there's anything left of the area if The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ® get a similar friendly reception along the lines of what we received last year. Only kidding folks.
I notice http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/ appears in the category for "Best Specialist Outdoors Shop" as well as "Best Online Retailer". Its particularly great to see a small independent trader feature alongside such established High Street names such as Cotswold.
Especially given the short life of Podcast Bob's venture and its exclusively web based business. One set up in the face of some commercial disinterest from certain major suppliers.
Good to see Alpkit's innovative approach also rewarded with a nomination in the "Best Online Retailer" as well.
Voting is currently open if you want to take part. (and if you recheck the last couple of paragraphs you may discover a way to vote for both companies if you so desire. Ahem)
OM also has a category for "Best Campsite - Wherever I pitch my tent, that’s my home, but where would you rather pitch your tent?"
- Hollins Farm, Eskdale
- I’d rather be wild camping!
- Fort Augustus
- Langdale
- Wasdale Head NT
(Not saying what I voted for so there!)
And that reminds me............
There was an outburst of podcast activity last weekend. From Podcast Bob's perspective it was heartening to see his efforts over the last couple of the years starting to pull in sponsored shows.
Last time I counted Bob had released over 100 outdoor related podcasts with over 5000,000 downloads. And most podcasts have been researched, recorded, edited and issued at his own personal expense. But all free of charge to the listener, and with a global audience. Hopefully that sponsorship will continue to roll in.
And I can confirm that content and presentation of the material remains unaffected, impartial and as entertaining as ever.
I particularly enjoyed these Cicerone Press shows:
Cicerone
Press - The Book Story
Download MP3 File
Cicerone
Press - Navigation
Download MP3 File
Meanwhile the Outdoor Blogs keep on springing into life…..
A little bit about not a lot "A bit like a Great British jumble sale - it doesn't raise any money, is usually full of old tat nobody wants and very few people turn up"
Early days, but excellent for looking at wildcamping from the viewpoint of someone new to the scene and (thanks for the tip off Darren)
And finally ...........
The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ®
The venue has been selected for this year's gathering of the clans. The agenda is already chock full, as you'd naturally expect, with the Wildcamping E-Petition, and arranging the various (highly illegal?) wildcamp meets for 2008.
At this rate we may need our own hall next year for the hordes of adoring groupies.
Oh hang on - that was Fantasy. This is Reality.
Must be the cold weather affecting my mind.
OK, thats it for the present - I'm away to feed the E-P mojo (562 votes and rising) Labels: Backpackers Club - Bellingham Aprl 2007, blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger Convention
Monday, February 11
Planet Rock to Close - Nooooooooo!
As if I don't have enough going on in my life at present.
The Wildcamping E-Petition is coming along nicely (427 signatories and counting) with occasional effort on my part, alongside other stalwarts, to try and move it along in a positive manner. For its one of my rare jaunts into democratic agitation these days, disillusioned as I have become over the years with the cycnicism of so many failed attempts to p*ss into a prevailing headwind within this apathetic mass termed 'society'.
As Huxley astutely observed back in the 1930s, to quote Wikipedia's summary
".. humanity is carefree, healthy and technologically advanced..... the irony is that all of these things have been achieved by eliminating many things that humans consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy. It is also a hedonistic society, deriving pleasure from promiscuous sex and drug use, especially soma, a powerful psychotropic taken to escape pain and bad memories through hallucinatory fantasies. Additionally, stability has been achieved and is maintained via deliberately engineered and rigidly enforced social stratification"
Sound familiar to anyone out there - what another slice of Soma vicar?
But once more I see I've wandered off my theme - back on the track Johnnie!
One of the delights of DAB Radio was that finally I was able to choose to a radio station that I actually wanted to listen to. And listen to it lots.
After all that is the whole concept behind niche programming. And for radio it actually works at the moment. Unlike the pitiful attempts delivered by digital TV (And if you think reality TV shows are an all time low, wait until the fall-out from the US writers strike finally hit these shores with en-mass series cancellations)
My delight is principally BBC Radio 7 & Planet Rock with diversions across another 8 or 9 stations as the fancy/program schedule takes me.
And then this happens
(Picture courtesy of Planet Rock - go help out please!)
Planet Rock is the main station that all the DABs in the house are primarilty tuned into. I enjoy it so much that certain programs fit around my other life chores, rather than the other way around (Rick Wakeman's Saturday show for instance - excellent entertainment & a great reason to stay in bed on a Saturday morning)
Even the Channel ID links are uniquely entertaining - I kid thee not.
And it seems I'm not alone according to the advertising puff on it's owner's website:
"Planet Rock's audience just keeps growing - it reaches 563,000 classic rock lovers every week, in its sixth successive Rajar rise. Audiences and listening hours are up a massive 33% year on year, as the station's rock-solid brand promise continues to attract, and retain, the core male audience..........Planet Rock is an utterly unique and distinctive environment, delivering an ABC1 male audience previously unavailable to commercial radio"
But not anymore. Today I discover that despite all this 'success' the station is to be closed by its parent company at the end of March due to it being a 'non-core brand. Or in other words the first to get the chop because they're not making their profit elsewhere.
So that's sod the half a million listeners then?
Blimey - its only February and another petition signed already.
If this is the way that the year is going to go I know a nice quiet cave that has got my name on its reservation list for some considerable time to come. Might even find some Soma washed up on the beach if I wait long enough.
John 'Grumpy' Hee signing off for now. I've a radio station to enjoy. Whilst I still have time.Labels: Planet Rock radio
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Wednesday, February 6
Phenomena or Phut nomena?
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Sunday, February 3
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
But with current deadlines associated with E-P activity fast approaching, particularly related to 'a little something' for the Outdoor Show in March, each day just doesn’t seem long enough. Well not without cybernetic surgery into a semi-permanent part of damned pc.
And that I'm not prepared to do.
It’s a somewhat perverse lesson to realise that the time spent writing about 'doing' outdoor things can only be found by actually practising them less. A balance that as the days warm up I intend to address well away from this darned keyboard.
And that smooooooooooooth link gets me straight into my first plug:
Lightweight equipment and tent show
After last year's hugely successfully Backpackers Club AGM the club have announced that their 2008 event will be in Ashford-in-the-Water, near Bakewell, in the Peak District on 26th April.
For many of us the 2007 event was very tempting, but the Northumberland location meant travel time for a weekend event was tight if you lived in the south of the UK. This year's venue is more central and has me checking my diary already.
The event plans to once again include a lightweight equipment and tent show to run alongside the Club's annual spring gathering. This will be open to all & entry is free.
A great chance to see lightweight backpacking equipment in the flesh, to meet the people who really use the gear, and the faces behind the specialist companies who design and supply it.
More information on the BPC site.
Can you just picture the scene of desolation, with all available deadwood cleared for miles around to fuel the hundred of flickering Bushbuddy cookers?
OM Awards
Meanwhile voting has opened for the Outdoors Magic Awards with the winners to be award their bounty on the 16th of March at the Cumberland Arms Pub. Live from the NEC Outdoors Show.
Well that's if there's anything left of the area if The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ® get a similar friendly reception along the lines of what we received last year. Only kidding folks.
I notice http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/ appears in the category for "Best Specialist Outdoors Shop" as well as "Best Online Retailer". Its particularly great to see a small independent trader feature alongside such established High Street names such as Cotswold.
Especially given the short life of Podcast Bob's venture and its exclusively web based business. One set up in the face of some commercial disinterest from certain major suppliers.
Good to see Alpkit's innovative approach also rewarded with a nomination in the "Best Online Retailer" as well.
Voting is currently open if you want to take part. (and if you recheck the last couple of paragraphs you may discover a way to vote for both companies if you so desire. Ahem)
OM also has a category for "Best Campsite - Wherever I pitch my tent, that’s my home, but where would you rather pitch your tent?"
- Hollins Farm, Eskdale
- I’d rather be wild camping!
- Fort Augustus
- Langdale
- Wasdale Head NT
And that reminds me............
There was an outburst of podcast activity last weekend. From Podcast Bob's perspective it was heartening to see his efforts over the last couple of the years starting to pull in sponsored shows.
Last time I counted Bob had released over 100 outdoor related podcasts with over 5000,000 downloads. And most podcasts have been researched, recorded, edited and issued at his own personal expense. But all free of charge to the listener, and with a global audience. Hopefully that sponsorship will continue to roll in.
And I can confirm that content and presentation of the material remains unaffected, impartial and as entertaining as ever.
I particularly enjoyed these Cicerone Press shows:
Cicerone
Press - The Book Story
Download MP3 File
Press - The Book Story
Download MP3 File
Cicerone
Press - Navigation
Download MP3 File
Press - Navigation
Download MP3 File
Meanwhile the Outdoor Blogs keep on springing into life…..
A little bit about not a lot "A bit like a Great British jumble sale - it doesn't raise any money, is usually full of old tat nobody wants and very few people turn up"
Early days, but excellent for looking at wildcamping from the viewpoint of someone new to the scene and (thanks for the tip off Darren)
And finally ...........
The UK Outdoors Blogger Convention 2008 ®
The venue has been selected for this year's gathering of the clans. The agenda is already chock full, as you'd naturally expect, with the Wildcamping E-Petition, and arranging the various (highly illegal?) wildcamp meets for 2008.
At this rate we may need our own hall next year for the hordes of adoring groupies.
Oh hang on - that was Fantasy. This is Reality.
Must be the cold weather affecting my mind.
OK, thats it for the present - I'm away to feed the E-P mojo (562 votes and rising)
Labels: Backpackers Club - Bellingham Aprl 2007, blog media, podcasts, UK Outdoors Blogger Convention
Planet Rock to Close - Nooooooooo!
As if I don't have enough going on in my life at present.
The Wildcamping E-Petition is coming along nicely (427 signatories and counting) with occasional effort on my part, alongside other stalwarts, to try and move it along in a positive manner. For its one of my rare jaunts into democratic agitation these days, disillusioned as I have become over the years with the cycnicism of so many failed attempts to p*ss into a prevailing headwind within this apathetic mass termed 'society'.
As Huxley astutely observed back in the 1930s, to quote Wikipedia's summary
".. humanity is carefree, healthy and technologically advanced..... the irony is that all of these things have been achieved by eliminating many things that humans consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy. It is also a hedonistic society, deriving pleasure from promiscuous sex and drug use, especially soma, a powerful psychotropic taken to escape pain and bad memories through hallucinatory fantasies. Additionally, stability has been achieved and is maintained via deliberately engineered and rigidly enforced social stratification"
Sound familiar to anyone out there - what another slice of Soma vicar?
But once more I see I've wandered off my theme - back on the track Johnnie!
One of the delights of DAB Radio was that finally I was able to choose to a radio station that I actually wanted to listen to. And listen to it lots.
After all that is the whole concept behind niche programming. And for radio it actually works at the moment. Unlike the pitiful attempts delivered by digital TV (And if you think reality TV shows are an all time low, wait until the fall-out from the US writers strike finally hit these shores with en-mass series cancellations)
My delight is principally BBC Radio 7 & Planet Rock with diversions across another 8 or 9 stations as the fancy/program schedule takes me.
And then this happens
(Picture courtesy of Planet Rock - go help out please!)
Planet Rock is the main station that all the DABs in the house are primarilty tuned into. I enjoy it so much that certain programs fit around my other life chores, rather than the other way around (Rick Wakeman's Saturday show for instance - excellent entertainment & a great reason to stay in bed on a Saturday morning)
Even the Channel ID links are uniquely entertaining - I kid thee not.
And it seems I'm not alone according to the advertising puff on it's owner's website:
"Planet Rock's audience just keeps growing - it reaches 563,000 classic rock lovers every week, in its sixth successive Rajar rise. Audiences and listening hours are up a massive 33% year on year, as the station's rock-solid brand promise continues to attract, and retain, the core male audience..........Planet Rock is an utterly unique and distinctive environment, delivering an ABC1 male audience previously unavailable to commercial radio"
But not anymore. Today I discover that despite all this 'success' the station is to be closed by its parent company at the end of March due to it being a 'non-core brand. Or in other words the first to get the chop because they're not making their profit elsewhere.
So that's sod the half a million listeners then?
Blimey - its only February and another petition signed already.
If this is the way that the year is going to go I know a nice quiet cave that has got my name on its reservation list for some considerable time to come. Might even find some Soma washed up on the beach if I wait long enough.
John 'Grumpy' Hee signing off for now. I've a radio station to enjoy. Whilst I still have time.Labels: Planet Rock radio
Thursday, February 7
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Wednesday, February 6
Phenomena or Phut nomena?
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Sunday, February 3
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
The Wildcamping E-Petition is coming along nicely (427 signatories and counting) with occasional effort on my part, alongside other stalwarts, to try and move it along in a positive manner. For its one of my rare jaunts into democratic agitation these days, disillusioned as I have become over the years with the cycnicism of so many failed attempts to p*ss into a prevailing headwind within this apathetic mass termed 'society'.
As Huxley astutely observed back in the 1930s, to quote Wikipedia's summary
".. humanity is carefree, healthy and technologically advanced..... the irony is that all of these things have been achieved by eliminating many things that humans consider to be central to their identity — family, culture, art, literature, science, religion, and philosophy. It is also a hedonistic society, deriving pleasure from promiscuous sex and drug use, especially soma, a powerful psychotropic taken to escape pain and bad memories through hallucinatory fantasies. Additionally, stability has been achieved and is maintained via deliberately engineered and rigidly enforced social stratification"
Sound familiar to anyone out there - what another slice of Soma vicar?
But once more I see I've wandered off my theme - back on the track Johnnie!
One of the delights of DAB Radio was that finally I was able to choose to a radio station that I actually wanted to listen to. And listen to it lots.
After all that is the whole concept behind niche programming. And for radio it actually works at the moment. Unlike the pitiful attempts delivered by digital TV (And if you think reality TV shows are an all time low, wait until the fall-out from the US writers strike finally hit these shores with en-mass series cancellations)
My delight is principally BBC Radio 7 & Planet Rock with diversions across another 8 or 9 stations as the fancy/program schedule takes me.
And then this happens
(Picture courtesy of Planet Rock - go help out please!)Planet Rock is the main station that all the DABs in the house are primarilty tuned into. I enjoy it so much that certain programs fit around my other life chores, rather than the other way around (Rick Wakeman's Saturday show for instance - excellent entertainment & a great reason to stay in bed on a Saturday morning)
Even the Channel ID links are uniquely entertaining - I kid thee not.
And it seems I'm not alone according to the advertising puff on it's owner's website:
"Planet Rock's audience just keeps growing - it reaches 563,000 classic rock lovers every week, in its sixth successive Rajar rise. Audiences and listening hours are up a massive 33% year on year, as the station's rock-solid brand promise continues to attract, and retain, the core male audience..........Planet Rock is an utterly unique and distinctive environment, delivering an ABC1 male audience previously unavailable to commercial radio"
But not anymore. Today I discover that despite all this 'success' the station is to be closed by its parent company at the end of March due to it being a 'non-core brand. Or in other words the first to get the chop because they're not making their profit elsewhere.
So that's sod the half a million listeners then?
Blimey - its only February and another petition signed already.
If this is the way that the year is going to go I know a nice quiet cave that has got my name on its reservation list for some considerable time to come. Might even find some Soma washed up on the beach if I wait long enough.
John 'Grumpy' Hee signing off for now. I've a radio station to enjoy. Whilst I still have time.
Labels: Planet Rock radio
aRoundabout - outdoor news and views (Feb 7)
Unbowed by a backlash of utter indifferance, here's another weekly round-up for your entertainment.
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Wednesday, February 6
Phenomena or Phut nomena?
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Sunday, February 3
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
New sites to check out?
Seb Green was 15 when as a result of his involvement in a boat theft he ended up stuck in mud in Fleet Lagoon late at night. Subsequently rescued (and charged) in the years since he's regretted his actions and on the 1st of February he started his walk around the coast of mainland UK to raise cash for charity to make amends to the local community.
The 18-year-old will spend nearly a year walking 5,821 miles with his border collie dog, Flash, camping as he goes. More details on his website
Outdoor News
That's the way to do it.........
In contrast to last week's report of ill prepared walkers and their involvement of various Mountain Rescue teams here's a happier report of a man showing real self reliance (thanks to Grough for this) Well done that man!
Wainwright Window Becomes Storm Victim
An appeal comes via the Online Fellwalking Club and The Wainwright Society to fund church repairs. Not normally something that would feature on here but the church in question is St. James in Buttermere. A small leaded window was battered by recent winter gales and is boarded up awaiting repair.
And the relevance?
Its the same window containing the memorial plaque to Wainwright, and that special view towards Haystacks. Target is around £1000 if you want to contribute.
News in March's Trail Magazine concerning the Vixen Tor campaign's new initiative based on the Highways Law (my background piece here) and a request for testimonials from anyone who can recall walking, climbing or just enjoying the site.
Whilst not of direct relevance to the E-Petition on the legal position of wildcamping in England & Wales (364 votes and building - is your name on it yet?) there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the campaign when looking at mounting and delivering change for outdoor access that relates to all of us. Whether we intend to use this spot or not.
And finally ......
Look to the skies. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope its Air Viagra.
An Israeli study of mountain climbers in Africa has identified a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance at high altitude. An active ingredient in the drugs helped climbers perform better where oxygen was at reduced levels. The study indicates this may be of assistance for jet fighter pilots.
Hopefully they will work out any unrequired side effects (Beware sudden ejections - lol) but maybe that explains the mass of Viagra spam targeted at us hardened outdoor types.
Meanwhile US scientists, not to be outdone, have built an adapted knee brace that generates energy from human movement ".....we can get as much as 13 watts from walking .. .... enough to power about 30 minutes of talk time on a typical mobile phone from just one minute of walking"
Great news for ubertechnowalkers. Possibly. But not looking too good for the ultralight brigade.
Labels: blog media, dartmoor, Lake District, podcasts, vixen tor, Wales, YHA
Phenomena or Phut nomena?
Monday, February 4
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Sunday, February 3
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
A good read - Thomas Firbank
During the last few weeks I've read a couple of pieces by Chris Townsend and Weird Darren concerning some of their outdoor literature recommendations. Which reminded me of one of the lesser-known authors. Not specifically walk based reading, but an evocative slice of pre and post war living in the wilder areas of the UK.
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Sunday, February 3
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
In 1931 a young Canadian, Thomas Firbank, bought a 2,400 acre sheep farm in Dyffryn Mymbyr near Capel Curig covering most of the land to the east of Glyder Fawr. Here he learnt his trade, while celebrating the beauty & reality of life working in Snowdonia. Along the way he married Esme Kirby and found time to be the first to record an ascent of all of the Welsh 3000s in less than 9 hours
He wrote about his experiences in "I Bought a Mountain" and the book turned out to be a huge success despite minimal publicity.
As is my usual approach after enjoying an author's work I started to track down his other writings.
The 1951 follow-up "I Bought a Star" was a real surprise as it described how he left the farm, went to war (winning the Military Star in Italy), and was divorced from Esme. Generously, for those times, he left his ex-wife the marital home, Dyffryn Mymbyr and Esme went on to use this as a base when helping to found the influential Snowdonia Society and later The Esmé Kirby Snowdonia Trust
Meanwhile, on a walking trip to North Wales in the late 1990s I managed to spot the house, that scene of so much activity, from the valley road. At that time it was still occupied by Esme who sadly died a short time afterwards. But this did lead to some related anecdotes appearing on uk.rec.walking, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable opponent and fierce protector of the Snowdonia landscape.
Firbank's 1953 offering "A Country of Memorable Honour" was back on an UK outdoors theme describing a walking tour through Wales. Once more a remarkably observed slice of rural life at that time.
I'd read the words from the man, visited some of the places he knew, and in some way walked alongside a life reporting on events before I was even born.
And as I closed that book along with Firbank, he was about to move to Japan and a new life. Or so I thought as far as his writing output concerned. It was finished.
Then, three years ago I happened to be browsing amongst the shelves of a notable second hand bookshop, sadly now closed, in Mortonhampstead on Dartmoor.
Firbank's name leapt out as I spotted a new title. Well unknown to me at least.
"Log Hut" (aka "Log Hut, Further Adventures in Home-making") was also first printed in 1953. This described Firbank's life living and working on Dartmoor. Adapting a log cabin for his new family (where did they come from?), and his attempts to reopen and commercially mine a local quarry.
And as I paid for my new treat the bookseller casually mentioned that the Log Hut in question was a short distance away. All very karmic (And although I believe I have traced the location, its one I've yet to see in the flesh)
If you want more information there's an excellent obituary article covering the many facets of Firbank's long life here.
Thomas Joseph Firbank, writer, sheep-farmer, soldier and businessman.
A man who through the written word remains able to speak to us across the many long years since his observations; Still capable of touching others through his description of the of the natural wild areas, and an ability to live amongst it all.
Now that's writing.
Labels: books, dartmoor, Wales
Wildcamping on Dartmoor & National Park Policy
There's one main lesson arising from the various debates around the Wildcamping E-Petition (310 signatures and steadily rising) Whilst many wildcampers may have a oodles of experience about the How-To-Do-It, there's a fair bit many of us have to learn about the Where-When-Whether.
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
During the week I made a throw away comment on a couple of forums and was surprised at the number of people that were unaware that Dartmoor National Park positively encourages wildcamping as official policy. They even advertise that policy.
So I may as well repeat such advertsiing on here as the wilder parts of Dartmoor are more than big enough to swallow up any huge (and temporary) rush of wildcamping sorties; And when I say swallow up that can be quite literally sometimes.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority website gives a full breakdown of what you can and can't do including a Code of Conduct.
As a final thought - I've quickly searched most of the individual National Park websites, and Dartmoor is unique in its approach.
If all the National Parks throughout England & Wales already had this type of approach in place perhaps that E-Petition wouldn't be quite as necessary. Maybe?
Hardly asking for the moon here surely?
Labels: dartmoor, E-Petition-Wildcamping
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
